Beauty and Biodiversity in Romania’s Hayfields

Once the morning dew has evaporated, whole families head out into the waist-high fields to begin the harvest. The grasshoppers, butterflies, and spiders make way as human sounds replace the hum of insects. The grass is cut and then left to dry over a long lunch held under the shade of a tree. After the midday heat has subsided, the family members t... See more

Beauty and Biodiversity in Romania’s Hayfields | Atmos

AAndrei Stoica

interesting that this got published now - imo, there is a big culture war going on in romania re: industrialization and flight to the city over the last 20 years. much of the culture exists in rural/distributed regional traditions that are very pagan/land linked in origin… the loss of this (which was in part emphasized secularly in communist times) has led many older voters to support nationalist candidates - but the times have changed. there is no return to this form of society while maintaining the same pace of economic growth the country has had over the last 15 years.

The practice of haymaking in Romania has changed little in centuries. Much of the process is still done by hand and involves sculpting huge, bell-shaped haystacks that protect the fodder from rain, wind, and snow. Meanwhile, the farmers’ relationship with the land, their use of old tools, and their refusal to use chemicals have ensured that their p... See more

Billy Barraclough • Beauty and Biodiversity in Romania’s Hayfields | Atmos

Andrei Stoica