Stories

The sprinkling of women in Transylvania

May 9, 2023

Easter is one of the most important holidays in Transylvania, especially, I would imagine, in small towns such as Székelykeresztúr. This region has its own unique blend of traditions and rituals that reflect the local culture and history. The majority of people in this area are of Hungarian descent, which has definitely had its impact on the local Easter traditions.

Text Hover

One of the most iconic traditions that I've discovered during Easter in this region is the "watering of the girls" or "locsolás" in Hungarian. On Easter Monday, young men will usually visit the homes of young unmarried women and sprinkle them with water or perfume, which is believed to bring them good luck and fertility. This tradition dates back to pagan times when people believed that water had purifying and healing properties. It is even better when it is freshly drawn from a well so women can be watered just like flowers.

women as dainty flowers

In some villages, the young men will also recite poems or sing songs for the girls, making the tradition even more festive and joyous. The poems asking for permission have become bolder each year and it is now common to send them as text messages instead of actually visiting. Let’s just take a look at one of those funny poems:

women as dainty flowers

In some villages, the young men will also recite poems or sing songs for the girls, making the tradition even more festive and joyous. The poems asking for permission have become bolder each year and it is now common to send them as text messages instead of actually visiting. Let’s just take a look at one of those funny poems:

women as dainty flowers Magazine

In some villages, the young men will also recite poems or sing songs for the girls, making the tradition even more festive and joyous. The poems asking for permission have become bolder each year and it is now common to send them as text messages instead of actually visiting. Let’s just take a look at one of those funny poems:

“Itt állok gatyában, Locsoló van benne.

Ha én azt elővenném. Nagy röhögés lenne!

De én azt nem teszem, Mert kezemben a kölni!

Locsolni jöttem, Nem pedig tökölni!”

"I'm standing here in my pants, with a water hose in it,

If I were to take that out. It would be a big laugh!

But I won't do it, 'cause I've got the cologne in my hand!

I'm here to splash, not to mess around!"

Fancy Image Box

Massive Dynamic has over 10 years of experience in Design. We take pride in delivering Intelligent Designs and Engaging Experiences for clients all over the World.

The rite dates to the 18th century, but its origins are uncertain up to this day. According to Hannah Foster, a curator at the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest. Many sources also trace it to baptism.

delicious food

Young men gather at a certain point of the village and start their march through the streets looking for their victims, the joyful girls who eagerly wait for their arrival. Some of the boys carry traditional instruments and all of them are singing. They are very happy as they will get many delicious foods sand drinks on this special day. Girls and their mothers around the village typically spend the weekend by preparing pastries, drinks and snacks, including red coloured eggs. The men would be welcome to all of it, all day.

At the houses where they stop, they ask the girls who are wearing a traditional folklore dresses one simple question, which appears at the end of their recited poem: “May I pour?”

After one woman consented with a cheerful “yes,” two men held her as a third threw cold water from a bucket rimmed with red carnations.

Many local people see the rite of sprinkling as a way to keep tradition alive. According to their opinion these types of events provide a basis for a sense of identity which is very important. If people don’t stay true to their identities and cultural roots it ends up disappearing and they won’t have an opportunity in the future to get to know themselves in depth.

the tradition of sprinkling

The tradition of dousing people with water is not limited to Transylvania. It crosses Central and Eastern Europe, although there is a difference between Romania and Poland it encompasses Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. Nowadays in most places, traditional costumes and buckets of water have given their way to contemporary bottles of perfume, or even spray deodorant.But in spite of modernization, urbanization and the persecution of religions under the former Communist governments the tradition of sprinkling has survived. In these modern days it is extremely important to keep this beautiful tradition alive as youngsters have more opportunities then ever, but unfortunately for these opportunities they often have to leave their homeland. If they do not develop a stronger cultural bond with their traditions, they will likely not move back to their home country in the future. In this way many local professions are left struggling, and villages lose their precious youths.

In several Transylvanian villages next to the tradition of sprinkling water on women young men give girls green branches on the dawn of Easter Sunday. In some places the branch of the birch tree or pine is decorated with coloured stripes and eggs as well. This gift is used in other customs related to spring as well, for instance in May, when it becomes the “maypole”. In any case, it is believed, that the green branches grant good health and beauty to the girl who receive them.

Text Hover

Another important Easter tradition in this region is the decorating of wells with flowers and ribbons. This practice is meant to give thanks to God for the gift of water, which used to be, and in my opinion still is, a precious resource. People also believe that decorating the wells with colourful flowers and ribbons will protect them from evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.

Text Hover

The Easter holiday in Transylvania is also a time for feasting and celebration. Families gather together to share traditional dishes like ham, lamb, and various pastries and sweets. One such pastry, known as "kalács” in Hungarian, is a sweet scone made with flour, sugar, eggs, and yeast, and is often flavoured with vanilla or lemon zest. It is traditionally shaped like a braided wreath or a spiral and is served during Easter breakfast or brunch.

Another popular pastry during Easter is the "szalagos fánk", which is a type of doughnut with a ribbon-like shape. These pastries are often filled with jam or sweet cream and are decorated with colourful sprinkles or sugar. They are a sweet and indulgent treat that most people look forward to during the Easter holiday.

In some villages near Székelykeresztúr it is also traditional to bake an Easter cake called "sárga pite". This cake is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and may also be flavoured with lemon zest. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Apart from food, Easter in Transylvania near Székelykeresztúr and surrounding areas is also a time for religious observances. Churches in the region hold special services and masses, which are attended by the local community. People often wear their best clothes and accessories to church, and children receive small gifts like chocolate Easter eggs or candy after the service.

Another Easter tradition, which I've discovered while researching this topic, in Transylvania is the "cursing of Judas" or "Judas burning". This tradition involves the creation of a straw effigy of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. The effigy is then hung on a wooden pole or tree and burned on Easter Sunday. The burning of the effigy is said to symbolize the punishment of Judas for his betrayal.

Text Hover

Perhaps the most common of all Easter traditions, is the painting/decorating of Easter eggs. The more interesting and eco-friendly way is using natural ingredients like onion peel or beetroot. The eggs are boiled with these ingredients to give them a reddish or brownish colour and are then decorated with intricate patterns using wax or other materials. Nowadays it is of course easier to just paint the boiled eggs, which is what the majority of people do in bigger cities. The eggs are considered to be a symbol of new beginnings and rebirth and are often exchanged as gifts between family members and friends.

Finally, Easter in Transylvania near Székelykeresztúr is a time for renewal and reflection. It is a time to reconnect with family, friends, and faith, and to celebrate the coming of spring and new life. The traditions and activities during Easter in this region reflect the unique blend of cultural influences, from Hungarian to Saxon to Romanian. They are a testament to the rich and diverse history of Transylvania, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. Happy Easter!