The enigma of Holiday in Moldova transmitted through the mask and the folk costume

Abstract

Our ancestors passed on a huge spiritual heritage to modern generations. The ritual folklore of Moldova includes the most interesting and significant traditions that have survived over the centuries, associated with family and calendar holidays. The most important Moldovan folk traditions can be admired during the winter holidays. The mask is one of the most important elements of these actions and a work of folk art. It contains the characteristics of popular heroes, constituting two main types: zoomorphic and anthropomorphic, as well as a division into costumed masks and face masks. Folk craftsmen gave expressiveness to masks with the help of materials, colors, sizes and plastic shapes. The art of masks and costumes in Moldovan folklore is a valuable part of the ethnographic heritage of the Republic of Moldova and deserves careful study in close connection with the literary and musical part of folk art.