THE ACT OF BIRTH AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SACRED IN THE ROMANIAN SPACE
THE ACT OF BIRTH AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SACRED IN THE ROMANIAN SPACE

Summary/Abstract: The moment of birth, as an exceptional moment within the family and communities, gave rise to a whole set of beliefs and practices, which addressed both the newborn child and its mother. These rituals, or rites of passage, had the role of protecting the two from the nefarious influences of unclean spirits that could enter the earthly world with the baby. The newborn child was, through its innocence, but also through its proximity to pre-existence, in permanent communication with the sacred, which is why the superstitions, customs and traditions related to birth were very carefully thought out and executed. If today birth arouses great emotions and joy almost exclusively within the family, more than a century ago this event was received with great emotion and joy by the entire community. The birth of a baby from a pre-existing life focused people's attention and brought hope to a space where the individual and the community identified and acted as one person.

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