ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: People in Romania are marking the annual season of Lent. A series of Christian observances are held during the 40 days before the religious holiday of Easter. Romanian Television shows us how the people in rural areas began the season.</s>NICOLAE MELINESCU, ROMANIAN TV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the heart of Romania, Shrove Tuesday was accompanied by a celebration of fire which took all families out of their homes for the last holiday before Easter. Housewives burned their pots and pans in which they had cooked fat meats and the pottery was put away in the attic for the coming six weeks. On hills overlooking the villages, youngsters climbed up with old cart wheels bundled with straws which were set ablaze. The wheels were pushed down the steep slopes in a cascade of sparks to the delight of the local folk watching from down below. The wheel itself is a symbol of a closed cycle. The flames burn off past sins and misdeeds and give way to seven weeks of Lent, until all believers celebrate Christ's resurrection with rich feasts. At the foot of the hill, young lads of the community span above their heads long poles carrying small containers of burning oil. They, too, drew imaginary wheels against the sky, their recurrent pattern of new beginnings. The circles of fire are designed to chase off bad spirits to keep away snakes and wild animals, and to surround household with a seamless web of purity and trust. When all wheels come down to the foot of the hill, huge bonfires were lit again for the final merrymaking. A sort of local limericks were exchanged from one family to another, and they made fun of clumsy wives, unmarried maidens and lazy farmers. This was the last chance of entertainment, dancing, good food and solid drinking, which should be a lasting memory for the coming weeks of redemption, prayers and penitence. This report was prepared by Nicolae Melinescu on behalf of the Romanian television for the CNN WORLD REPORT.
Rural Romanians Mark Annual Season of Lent