Dragobete

Myth and meaning

Dragobete is the son of Baba Dochia, a key figure in stories about the change of seasons from harsh winter to spring. Known for his immense gentleness, folk stories recount that he was selected, according to some accounts by the Virgin Mary, to serve as the Guardian of Love. Locals view this date as the true start of spring. It is also remembered as the time when birds choose their mates and start building nests. People link the observance with protection, believing that those who join the festivities stay free from fevers and other sicknesses for the rest of the year.

Courtship and forest gatherings

In rural communities, young men and women head out together into nearby woods to gather the earliest blossoms of the year, including snowdrops when weather permits. As they return toward the village, a lively chase takes place: boys run after the girls they admire to ask for a kiss. If a girl feels affection for her pursuer, she stops and allows him to kiss her, giving rise to the local saying that Dragobete kisses the girls. Meeting the person one admires on this day is thought essential, as failing to do so brings poor luck.

Village customs and beliefs

Practices surrounding the holiday differ across various parts of the country. In many villages, young unmarried women once collected leftover winter snow from the ground. They melted this snow to keep the liquid for magical preparations over the coming months. Another widespread belief involves couples stepping on each other's feet during the celebration: the person who succeeds in stepping on their partner's foot is thought to take the leading role in their relationship. Through these customs, the holiday blends romantic affection, fun rivalry, and hopes for health in the coming year.

How Dragobete is kept

On February 24, young people venture into the countryside or woods to search for snowdrops and other early spring flowers while singing together. Courting pairs exchange flowers and playfully chase one another so boys can kiss the girls they fancy. In some places, partners try to step on each other's feet to determine who will lead the relationship. Girls in traditional villages historically collected and melted fresh snow for year-round remedies, and participants celebrate together to ensure good health and avoid fevers.

When and where

The holiday is celebrated every year on February 24. Locally regarded as the opening day of spring, it coincides with the period when wild birds begin nesting and choosing mates.

Dragobete is kept throughout Romania, particularly in rural village settings and countryside forests where early spring blossoms can be gathered, with customs differing slightly from one region to another.

What Dragobete means

Dragobete embodies the shift from winter to spring, symbolized through the character of Dragobete, son of Baba Dochia. Celebrated as the Guardian of Love, he represents kindness, romantic courtship, and renewed vitality. The day signifies nature's awakening, mirrored in the mating of birds and the gathering of early blooms, while customs also promise safety from illness.

Questions people ask about Dragobete

See also

MărțișorA spring custom of wearing intertwined red and white strings to welcome the new season.CălușariAn acrobatic Romanian spring dance and ritual brotherhood tied to folklore and healingNowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnicsMid-Autumn FestivalAn annual harvest festival celebrating family reunions, full moons and mooncakes

Good reading and sources

• Dragobete on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.