Dragobete is a traditional Romanian holiday celebrated on February 24. Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia, which stands for the main character in the myth related to spring arrival and the end of the harsh winter.

Dragobete was a handsome and strong young man who influenced in good the lives of those he met. For hundreds of years, Dragobete appeared in the dreams of young people to teach them the secrets of love.
He managed to seduce every young woman who got in his way, which is why he became a symbol of love and affection.

In the countryside there is an old tradition with girls and boys going into the woods to pick flowers. When they return home, the traditions says that boys were running after girls to kiss them. If the girl liked the boy she lets him kiss her. There is a saying in Romania that makes a lot of sense regarding this: "Dragobete kisses the girls" (Dragobete saruta fetele).

If they want love to stay toghether throughout the year, young people who form a couple must kiss on this day.

You are not allowed to cry on Dragobete Day. It is said that the tears that flow on this day are a source of trouble and upset in the months to come.

In some parts of the contry the young girls, curious to dream of their future husband, used to put their holy basil under the pillow, believing that Dragobete will help them find true love.

It is a common belief in some parts of Romania that, during this celebration, stepping over a partner's foot leads to the dominant role in the relationship. As well when you get married in the church :)

Those who take part in Dragobete customs are supposed to be protected from illness, especially fevers, for the rest of the year. If the weather allows, girls and boys pick snowdrops or other early spring plants for the person they are courting. In Romania, Dragobete is known as a day for lovers, rather like Valentine's Day.

After 1990 (after the communism period), Romanians imported Valentine's Day from Western Europe, celebrated on February 14 and considered Valentine's Day. However, there were also challenges to this tradition, some people giving more importance to the preservation of local traditions and, implicitly, the celebration of Dragobete Day on February 24 instead. Some publications or companies have started leading proDragobete campaigns, under the slogan "Dragobete loves Romanian!". In Romania, the celebration of Valentine's Day has grown due to the sale of various products with this theme.
I remember people celebrate Lover's day on February 14th but they still say Happy Lover's Day on February 24th....so we celebrate twice :)

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