The maiden fair from Gaina Mountain
A ritual related to the wedding is the Maiden Fair on Gaina Mountain (The Apuseni Mountains). The event is still held on the third Sunday of July, but its symbolic importance has decreased over time in favor of the folklore show. Ages ago the ritual started Saturday night when the young men gathered. Over night the young men sang and drank plum brandy. At dawn the girls and wives came and the party moved to the top of Gaina. Dancing was mandatory so the boys could see it the girl was fine. Commerce also took place: the merchants sold cherries and honey or brandy or pottery. The most important moment was the bargaining of the bride. The parents of the girl placed on the tabel all sorts of food and as soon as the father of the boy showed up, negotiations would begin. If the parents came to an agreement the girl was asked to dance and weighed on a board. On one end of the board the dowry was placed.
