National Dance

The Romanian has happy as well as serious dances, many of which come from Roman times. The most famous dance is the Hora—the chorus of the old—in which you form a circle and sing a peaceful grieving song. It is the dance of the oppressed people. Also symbolic is the Biru Gren, literally, “heavy tax”. The belt dance creates a warlike sight. Of the happy kind, are the Ratza (“Duck”), the Kindia (“Sunset”), and the Mocancoutz (“Dance of the shepherd”). They remind us of our happy children’s dances. Gypsies provide the music. Other than fiddles and percussion instruments they play the “Cobza” a mandolin of awkward form.