Sorcova

Sorcova is a Romanian popular custom, practiced on the morning of 1 January. This custom is very old and is spread throughout the country, being practiced mainly by children. Sorcova is also used to describe the object that characterizes this custom. It consists of a stick or twig decorated with artificial flowers of different colors, wherewith children slightly hit on back their parents or acquaintances in the morning of

, merely reinforces the movement of sorcova.

By region

This custom varies depending on the ethnographic region. In northern Transylvania, children go with sorcova from house to house, wishing health in exchange for local delicacies (cozonac, colac, apples, nuts). In urban areas, it is common for children to receive cash, candies or oranges.

An interesting form of custom can be found in the west of the country (village of Bucium,

). Whoever does not have a fir tree can go with a stick wrapped in tinsel, on which are held three or four țingălăi. When they enter the house, those with fir tree sing and those with the stick hit rhythmically the floor after melody. Commonly, every child has his sorcova. While reciting, sorcova is moved in the rhythm of versification, sometimes marked by the sound of the bell.

Etymology

The term of sorcova comes from the

. Some etymologists consider that sorcova derives from the Slavic word sorokŭ (forty): the recitative of sorcova consists of 40 syllabic groups corresponding to the 40 touches of sorcova.

External links

The following pages are in Romanian:

• "Sorcova" on CreștinOrtodox.ro
• "Tradiții: Sorcova și Semănatul" on Cartiere.ro
• "Sorcova, singurul obicei de Anul Nou care a cucerit orașul" on ZiarulLumina.ro
• Sorcova on
  YouTube

See also

Portal:Romania