Dragaica Painting

Dragaica is a ritual of agrarian origin, practiced on June 24 in Muntenia, Moldova and Oltenia,all this regions is in Romania, around the summer solstice. The ritual aims at the prosperity and protection of crops, especially cereals. This celebration coincides with the Christian celebration of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Tradition demands that no one work on this day because on this day it is midsummer and the Sun plays in the sky or stands still at noon. Drăgaica is celebrated with a dance performed by a group of 5-10 girls from which one is chosen as Drăgaica. She is dressed as a bride and adorned with ears of wheat, while the other girls are dressed in white, wear a wave on the face in which are caught flowers of sycamore, and hold a scythe in their hand. Once formed, Drăgaica's procession starts through the village and on the fields. At stops, especially at crossroads, the girls sit in a circle, singing and performing a leaping dance whose movements draw a cross[1]. It is said that Drăgaica makes the fruits ripen faster, protecting them from spoilage and rotting. In other parts this celebration has the name of Sânziene, but also several meanings.