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Our customs over the year tend to be collective.
Those concerning the end and the begining of the year are very important in many of the villages in our area (Sacalaseni, Culcea, Coruia, Coas, etc.).
The 12 days of the winter holidays were and still are cherished by the people. They are rich in folk manifestations,
and they are structured in 2 main parts: the hogmanay and a party called "Vergel".
In Sacalaseni, the establishment of the carol stinger groups starts much before the actual holiday.
The actual hogmanay is started by children. The elder ones carry bags in wich they gather their gifts: hogmanays,
walnuts, apples, money.
The carol stinger groups, boys and girls, start with the priest's house and carry on with the houses where girls live.
The boys are invited into the house where the girl and her parent serve them with plum brandy or "Horinca",
cookies, cake and appetizers.
Other Christmas customs are: "walking with the star" - children between 10-14 years old,
the "Viflaim" and "The Goat".
The most appreciated though, is "Vergelul".
The old form of this custom existed until the end of XIX century.
Many days before, the boys decided where it was going to be held and what musician they will hire.
The organizers ("Tizesii") sent boys to every girl to bring them to the party.
The party lasted for 3 days and 3 nights. During the last evening, the boys had to carry
their girl's food basket.
The characterisitic folk dances are: "The starting dance", "4 steps", "7 steps", "Forest dance", "The swinging"
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