The church's bell ringer officially announces the chosen “Udatoriu” and afterwards the two “crai” lift him up saying "Up With the Udatoriu!". And the crowd answer "May he live in peace!". Next, there are more "titles" to be given: four young men are made "fesnici", the best of them is called a "comarnic", four more (the brightest) become "jendari". Others become "judges", "doctors", "pig caretakers" and much more, all of symbolic nature and according to each man's skill (the brightest is the judge or the village’s economist).

While these symbolic "jobs" are set, the “Udatoriu” prepares his plough, ties it to his carriage and traces a circle, where he hides a coin, that must be found by the village's lads. The entire crowd visits the “Udatoriu's” house and the young lads start looking for the coin, using the tools they have nearby. Meanwhile, the chosen man takes all precautions, so in case the coin is found he can run and hide, or go to the next water to water his head, and then the young men will pay for the music and the party after the celebration.

After the coin is found (meaning also that the celebrated man will pay for the party), the “crai” will prepare their oxen and the plough, placed on a small chariot on wheels, adorn them with red ribbons, or pieces of cloth and the “Udatoriu” must ride on top of his setup. With the boys on both sides, the chosen villager travels to the closest river and the elders will try to distract the young men, so that the he can run and get first to the water.

Once they reach the river, while the music starts singing, the “crai” take the “Udator” to the river and sprinkle him with water. Everyone drinks horinca. Afterwards, the plougher sprinkles water on the young men who accompanied him this procession.

Next, the crowd travels back to the village, to the “Udatoriu's” house, where they celebrate, dance, eat and drink, following some simple rules: young men mustn't dance with wives, men mustn't dance with young girls and no one should embrace the girl he's dancing with. Also it is said that in the week following “Udatorii”, young men shouldn't get together with the girls. If a young man breaks these rules, he is denounced and punished by getting hit in the foot with a big and heavy stick (“mai”).

One week later, the stick meant for punishment is thrown to the ground, as a symbol that lads are once again able to meet their loved ones and get together. It's very interesting to note that the week of "abstinence" is a reason for strict surveillance of the girls and the boys’ travelling routes, as the most daring lads prove their love by breaking the Udatoriu rules.

Author: Alex Stanescu

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