Measurement of the Milk, 23 April
This old and practical tradition has diverse days of celebration, varying from region to region. In Borlova village, known also for its embroidery, it takes place on April 23, Saint George's Day.
Each family of the village brings its flocks of she-goats and ewes to a sheepfold near the village. Here the shepherds hired by the families milk the she-goats and the ewes. The milk produced is "measured" for each family. This way, they know how much cheese they will get during that season. The measurement of the milk happens before the shepherds move the flocks up in the mountains, where they spend the summer and where they produce the cheese and other products needed during the winter.
Naturally, the celebration finishes with a pick-nick with music and dance. In many villages - especially in Maramures - the village priest officiates a short mass and asks the shepherds to be fair during the "measurement". The measurement of the milk is a complex, well organized ritual, which has been taking place for centuries without changes.

Reference: G. Cristea, M. Dancus, Maramures - a Living Museum in the Center of Europe



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