Lăpugiu de Sus, un sat de poveste apropiat Ținutului Pădurenilor

Lăpugiu de Sus is a village in the northwest of Hunedoara County, along the Lăpugiu River valley. It is part of the Lăpugiu de Jos commune, which is located 50 km away from Deva. The village is connected to Deva, the county's capital, through the national road DN 68A (6 km) and the Deva-Lugoj highway. The village has a local legend, confirmed by historical documents dating back to 1439. Over time, the residents have preserved their traditions and personal identity.In this article, we will compare the traditional activities, of the residents of Lăpugiu de Sus with those of the villages in the Lelese commune.The Traditional OccupationsAgriculture and animal breeding have been the main occupations in the village, both in the past and present. The practice of agriculture in terraces was common, and the use of hill-pasture alternation was adopted. Cutting and gathering hay was the primary activity during the summer, along with reaping wheat and oats. Measuring the sheeps takes place before Easter. This custom is linked to determining the amount of “caș” (unsalted cheese) each owner will receive from the sheepfold. The holiday ends with a rural celebration. Pomiculture has been a permanent occupation, with the majority of plums being dedicated to producing “vinars” (brandy), and the rest being sold, providing a source of income. The trees are not treated with chemicals; everything is natural and ecological. The village crafts were undertaken by handy people, with each family having their own craft skills. In the past, the smithy and wood carving workshops were primarily requested for repairing agricultural tools, and manufacturing various construction materials. The wool-processing textile industry relied on hemp and wool as the primary raw materials, which underwent different processes. The wool textile was then taken to the valley of “Ținutul Pădurenilor”, where it was beaten with a unique tool and became a proper traditional jacket. The Traditional CostumeThe traditional costume differs based on the season and gender of the wearer. Men typically wear a white shirt, embroidered pants, vest, waistcoat, belt, and hat. Women’s costume includes a long shirt resembling a dress, an “opreg” (a narrow rectangular piece of fabric with coloured fringes worn over the hem of the shirt), a “catrinta” (a rectangular piece of cloth that serves as a skirt or apron and is often decorated with patterns), a coloured headscarf, and beads around the neck.Popular CustomsIn both Lăp