This week in our online class for kids we journeyed to Romania, a culturally and historically rich nation located in Southeastern Europe. In the Middle Ages there were three Romanian principalities, one of which was Transylvania, home of brutal 15th century leader “Vlad the Impaler,” inspiration for the fictional Count Dracula. The Ottoman Turks conquered Romania in 1541. Romanians rebelled several times and earned their independence, albeit more than 300 years later. In 1881 Romania even brought back its monarchy and crowned a new king — all hail King Carol I! In World War I Romania sided with the victorious Allies and was able to take back a lot of its long-lost land, including Transylvania. This ushered in the short-lived age of “Romania Mare” — “GREAT ROMANIA.” During World War II little was “great” in Romania; hundreds of thousands of Romanians perished in battle. After World War II the Soviets occupied, the Romanian Communist Party came strongly to power and struggles abounded. Since the USSR fell, Romania has inched slowly toward health and stability. Verrrry slowly.
We celebrate this slow Romanian revival by singing dancing really quickly. You’ll enjoy the upcoming week’s exploration of Romanian bands and dances.
