What is Dragobete?

On 24 February, Romania celebrates Dragobete – a traditional festival marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. Sometimes described as Romania’s version of Valentine’s Day, Dragobete is rooted in folklore and countryside customs rather than commercial romance.

Historically known as “the head of spring”, Dragobete is associated with youth, joy and love. It is also called “the birds’ engagement”, as it was believed that on this day birds begin to pair up. Young people would gather flowers such as snowdrops and crocuses, and there is a well-known saying: “Dragobetele kisses the girls.” Courtship on this day was thought to bring harmony and good fortune, while participation in the traditions was believed to protect against illness and sadness in the year ahead.

Celebrating with Chalk Paint

To celebrate Dragobete, two Romanian Chalk Painters have created projects inspired by its themes of spring, folk traditions, love and renewal.

A Console Table inspired by rebirth

By Enikő Szentannai – Blue Brush Studio

Enikő chose a small console table and focused on the core meaning of Dragobete – giving life to something that already exists.

She painted the lower section in an ombré blend of Honfleur, Tyrian Plum, and Primer Red, creating rich, earthy tones reminiscent of forest leaves at the end of winter. The transition between colours is soft and natural, giving depth without harsh contrast.

The tabletop was painted in Louis Blue, representing clear spring skies. Across the surface, Enikő added delicate leaf motifs in deep reddish-brown shades. The contrast between the earthy base and the light blue top reflects the meeting of ground and sky, winter and spring.

The lower section was sealed with Clear Wax for subtle depth and softness, and the top finished with Lacquer for durability.

Enikő says. “My colour choices reflect the quieter side of love – grounded, steady and connected to nature like the first day of spring. Dragobete is a celebration that moment when the earth takes a deep breath, birds choose their partners, and everything is given a new chance to renew itself. Dragobete is not a ‘Romanian Valentine’s Day’ – it’s about life, cycles and new beginnings, not chocolate and pink balloons.”

Enikő runs Blue Brush Studio, the only Annie Sloan Flagshop Store in Romania. Based in Cluj Napoca, Transylvanian region, Romanian.

Follow her at @bluebrushstudio

A Dowry Chest inspired by heritage and tradition

By Adriana Avel Nică – Soul Paint Atelier

Adriana’s project is a traditional Romanian dowry chest which symbolises family life and new beginnings in Romanian culture. Passed down through generations, it accompanied a bride to her new home and contained treasured textiles, clothing and heirlooms. Traditionally colours such as red, yellow and green – symbols of life and fertility – featured prominently in its decoration.

Adriana painted her dowry chest in Old Ochre, outlined with Coco, creating a light base to symbolises lengthening spring days. Working meticulously on a simple grid stencil, Adriana recreated the traditional rose embroidery motifs commonly found in the Romanian woven carpets and embroidered textiles, including the iconic blouses.

The colour palette included Emperor’s Silk, Scandinavian Pink, Primer Red, Burgundy, Tilton, Olive, Aubusson Blue, and Firle, applied with a fine brush. Each square was stencilled twice to achieve a subtle three-dimensional effect – a process that took two weeks!

The sides of the chest features symbolic “pairs”: a young couple on one side and a pair of birds on the other. A winding flowering branch symbolising the road of life runs throughout the design.

Adriana says. “This was a project that brought me immense joy, and I felt I was paying tribute both to my grandparents and my family history, as well as celebrating the life and beautiful family I have. I loved decorated it with the traditional symbols linked to family life and fertility.”

Adriana runs Soul Paint Atelier, the Annie Sloan stockist in Bacau, in the Moldova Region, Romania.

Follow her @soulpaint.me

Dragobete reminds us that love is closely tied to renewal – in nature, in family life and in the objects we choose to cherish. Through colour, technique and tradition, both projects celebrate the enduring power of paint to tell meaningful stories.