Unseen Romania

The Momarlani - A Special People

In a world of contrasts, the Jiu Valley situated in the North-Western part of Romania is also a land of the extremes. On one hand, it is a place that was known for a long time for the coal mining activity that took place in the area. However, there is much more to this region than its industrial background. It is here where you can come face to face with a community that remained untouched by the modern way of life. In our agitated world, this comes to be something truly rare. Meet the Momarlani people.

The Momarlani, a Dacian Legacy

Entering the archaic universe of the Momarlani does not come easy. Their world is closed under a sort of crystal ball. During their existence, they did not venture far from their native lands much, but outsiders did not have easy access to their society either. This is the reason why the “momarlani” were able to hold on to their traditions, some of which date back to Dacian times. In fact, they take pride in proclaiming themselves successors of the Dacians. This is also the explanation behind their name:  “momarlan” comes from the Hungarian “maradwany” which means “remain” (as in “remains of the Dacians”). These people chose to live in freedom on the mountain cliffs, nurturing their sheep. So far, they were spared from the hassles which inevitably result from tourist propaganda.

 

Ancient Superstitions of the Momarlani

Momarlani are known as brave people. They know their lands like the palm of their hand and are not afraid of anything. Well, almost anything. A lot of the Momarlani still believe in the existence of the “strigoi”. The word is Romanian for “living dead”. There is a strong belief among the “momarlani” that those who cast spells during their lifetime turn into “strigoi” after their death and come back to haunt their loved ones. This is not the only superstition these people believe in. Another example is the Day of the Bear when most of the “momarlani” avoid working. They believe that unless they take a break from work, the bear will come to destroy their households.  

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