In a unique blend of education and tradition, students from several villages in the Sebeș Mountains of Alba County,Romania, are embarking on an early summer break to join their families in the annual transhumance of sheep to high-altitude pastures. This longstanding practice allows these children to reconnect with their pastoral heritage and contribute to the preservation of a way of life deeply rooted in the region's history.
A Break from School for a Pastoral Calling
For students in the villages of Pianu de Sus, Strungari, and Purcăreți, the final school bell rings on Friday, May 24th,marking the start of their extended summer vacation. This early departure from the classroom aligns with the transhumance calendar, as families prepare to move their flocks to higher pastures for grazing.
Joining the Transhumance Journey
Eighth-graders from these villages have already begun their vacation a week earlier, assisting their parents with the preparations for the transhumance. Younger students from primary and lower secondary schools will now join them,spending the summer months alongside their families, tending to the sheep and immersing themselves in the pastoral traditions.
Preserving a Heritage, Adapting Education
This distinctive school structure, with an extended summer break, has existed for generations, even predating the fall of communism in 1989. To ensure that the curriculum is fully covered, students in these two communes attend school on Saturdays throughout the academic year.
A Shared Responsibility: Education and Tradition
The Alba County School Inspectorate (ISJ) has approved this unique school structure for the five villages, recognizing the importance of supporting families engaged in transhumance. This approach allows students to fulfill their educational responsibilities while also participating in a vital cultural practice.
The Rhythm of Transhumance
In May, shepherd families from these Sebeș Mountain villages ascend with their animals to the hayfields, where they remain for about a month. They then embark on a three-month journey with their flocks to alpine pastures. After September 8th, they return to the lower foothills for another haymaking period before finally returning to their villages a few weeks later.
A Testament to Resilience and Cultural Preservation
This early summer break for transhumance stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of the Sebeș Mountains region.It highlights the adaptability of education systems in supporting cultural practices and the deep connection between these communities and their pastoral heritage.
As these students embark on their summer adventure, they carry with them not only the knowledge gained in the classroom but also the invaluable lessons learned from their families and the land, ensuring the continuation of a tradition that has shaped their way of life for generations.
Source: Ziare.com
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