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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Culture Of Romanians Can Be Amazing

By John Doyle

Culture of Romanians has its specific story, told by the geographic and historic context of its evolution. Romania is the only Latin country inhabited by orthodox Christians, keeping in the same time their Roman origins.

Romanian culture has been influenced therefore by European and Oriental cultures. Furthermore, rural communities conferred an unusual vitality to popular culture. On the other hand, educated culture developed around religious, moral and juridical concepts at ruler's courts and in monasteries. One of the greatest cultural personalities of the past, at the beginning of the 18th century was Dimitrie Cantemir, whose books about Turkish Empire became famous.

To continue, the basic culture of Romanians has its origins in the lower secondary school when they study for the first time the folk ballad "Miorita", which is the symbol of Romanians belief in the force of destiny. Here are some hints of this ballad. Two shepherds decided to murder the third one because they were envious over him. He was announced by a magic sheep about their decision, but he did not do anything in order to prevent his death, but he accepted it with serenity and left via sort of will to be buried in nature, in order to be forever beside his sheep and faithful dogs.

Romanian culture has also been influenced by the cultures of different people, who have ruled over Romania. From the Romans, the Hungarians, to the Austrians and the Turks, Romanian culture has imbibed a lot of elements to make it a cultural melting pot. It also has some French influence, owing to the French education received by a number of students, who went to study in France during the 19th century.

Romanian culture is also spread across the population of the country. Chances are the person on the street will accurately recite from the works of their national poet, Mihai Eminescu. They could possibly relate the plays written by Ion Luca Caragiale, the most renowned of Romanian playwrights. Romanian society of the time with its absurd pomp, noisy hypocrisy and widespread corruption was captured brilliantly by the sardonic pen of Caragiale. His literary works have stood the test of time. They seem even more relevant today, particularly in the context of present day politics in Romania.

Then there is Ion Cranega, the master storyteller in the genre of children's literature. He penned the famous book called "Childhood Memories", a classic which is a must read for all Romanian children. It is said that all young people can find a bit of themselves when they read this universal book for children.

Literature is not the only arena, where Romanian culture has shown its prowess. Romanian genius has made its mark in fine arts and performing arts as well. Painters like Nicolae Grigorescu, sculptors like Constantin Branusi and musicians like George Enescu have been the toast of the connoisseur and the layman alike. Georghe Zamfir has cast a spell over the world with the sound of his pan flute.

Nowadays as well, culture is taught in schools and only if children really want to ignore it, it will in their minds. We can say that Romania is a spiritual country whose people always believed in God's help and who left their descendants precious treasures. Romanian culture is rich as good night songs sung by mothers when they want to hush their babies and in incontestable values in any domain of culture.

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