VOICED: New Year bear festival in Romania

In the small town of Common St in eastern Romania, ritual dances with bear furs are a celebrated tradition believed to ward off evil spirits for the New Year. These dances, rooted in pre-Christian royal customs, involve performers wearing bear furs and visiting homes to drive away negative energies. Romania, home to a significant population of brown bears, views the animal as a symbol of strength and courage. The furs, passed down through generations, are carefully preserved due to their high value. While the tradition's spiritual efficacy is debated, it undeniably draws people together, especially during tough economic times.

What is the significance of the bear furs in the ritual dances mentioned in the text?

How do the dancers use their performances to influence the spirits during the New Year?

What does the bear symbolize in Romanian culture according to the text?

What measures are taken to preserve the bear furs used in the dances?

What challenges do economic times pose to the tradition of bear dances?