Tradition

As in all settlements of Maramuresh, in Boiu Mare commune wood plays a fundamental role in the inhabitants' lives. The house and all other traditional buildings in the farmstead were built in oak and beech wood, with a light stone foundation and thatched, shingle or tile roof.

The farmstead consisted of: the house with one or two rooms and an entry, a stable, the exterior pantry, the pigsties, the hen coops, the wood ware-house, the external toilet, the draw well, the beehives, the sheeps enclosure and the gate.

In the evolution of the farmsteads in the village, an important role was played by the occupations, economic wealth, local tradition, land conformation, building materials and the experience of craftsmen. The peasants' farmsteads express the economic situation, level of culture and diligence of each family.

In every corner of the farmstead, one will feel the touch of the man that lives there by his own rules, rules that are very old and are for him like laws. The great moments of a man's life (birth, wedding, death) take place there, in that small univers.

Nowadays, when novelties appear in all fields, the peasant farmstead is changed as well: some wooden and earthen constructions disappear, while others made in brick and concrete having one or two floors take their place.

The inside of the houses is adapted to the needs of each family. In the main room used to be found: the stove, one or two wooden beds, a trunk for keeping the clothes, a wooden table, wooden chairs, a trunk for the dowry, the cradle for the babies. The present inside of the houses also changed according to modern times, but keeping some traditional elements. Since ancient times 'till present, the women of Boiu Mare have sought to embellish the houses making remarkable woven textures.

The costumes of the people express the local tradition. Women used to wear a short blouse and white skirts with handmade lace, a silk blouse, an apron, a waistcoat with several floral models, a headkerchief, beads, laced moccasins or low heeled shoes. Men wore a white shirt, a black waistcoat, wool white trousers, laced moccasins or boots, a broad belt and a hat. These costumes are now used only for the holidays.

In the entire etnographic Chioar region and also in Boiu Mare, customs are almost like laws, as everyone respects them.

Customs are usually related to religious holidays.

Winter customs are the most beautiful, and winter holidays are waited with a lot of joy by the villagers. The first holiday is that of Saint Nicholas, on its eve the children put their shoes at the door in order to receive gifts from Nicholas. The good ones get sweets, clothes and even money, the bad ones get a twig. Traditional carols are sung during all Advent.

A week before Christmas pigs are sacrificed.

On Christmas Eve children go to the neighbours and then to the other houses, singing carols. They receive fruits and knot-shaped breads. Children go home by midnight, and afterwards the grown-ups go through the village singing carols. They receive wine, brandy, sponge cake and fruits On Christmas day the peasants go to church wearing their traditional costumes. The next day, after coming home from church, a big party, with traditional dances, is organized.

On New Year's Eve young girls and boys try to find out through a traditional ritual who will be their mate in the following year.

On the Epiphany's eve houses are blessed, the next day water is blessed at the church. The peasants use this water in order to estrange the evil from their homes.

On Palm Sunday peasants remember their deads. They put burning candles on the tombs, the men drink brandy in the memory of the deads, while women give sweets and cakes to the children and the poor.

On Saint George's day, girls and Georges are "wet".

On Easter's Eve, the villagers go to church at midnight, with candles and surround three times the church before the begining of the mass. The second day, after returning from church, a big traditional party is organized again.

There are many customs related to important events in the family: birth, wedding, funeral.

After the baby's birth, the midwife takes care of the mother and child for three day. In the childs bath are put several objects, in order to bring him luck.

Before a wedding there are a few compulsory steps: the suitor asks the maid's hand, the visit of the girl's parents to the groom's house, the engagement, the matrimony and the wedding party, that takes place in the bride's home.

The inhabitants of the commune have a joyful nature, and are always ready to use any special event to celebrate.

They are known for their hospitality, and there is a custom to attend anybody who enters their homes with food and drink.