Gustav Schimert

What people wore

Decorated sheepskin waistcoats for feast days

A staple of both men’s and women’s festive attire was the bondice, a short, sleeveless waistcoat made of tanned sheepskin. These vests were elaborately decorated with embroidery, beads, or leather appliqué depending on the specific region of Moldavia.

Getting around

Travel Delays Caused by Weather

During the mid-19th century, traveling in autumn or spring was notoriously difficult due to mud, which could reduce travel speeds to as little as 4 km per hour even with eight horses pulling a carriage. Travelers often faced long delays at rivers or fords, where carts would gather for up to a week waiting for water levels to recede.

Music

Impromptu village musical competitions

During village parties, guests engaged in impromptu musical performances and competitive shouting matches, where men and women split into groups to trade satirical verses.

Daily life

Schooling became compulsory for kids

An 1864 act endowed Romania with free and compulsory elementary education, and later described as compelling families to send children to primary school. Education methods could be harsh and parents often avoided schooling when the benefit was unclear.