In the traditional villages of Cluj, the days of the week held deep significance, a reality that seems to have been mostly lost to modern times. Each day was imbued with symbols and prohibitions that governed the daily activities of the community, as specialists from the Cluj County Center for Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture (CJCPCT) reveal.
Specifically, Tuesday is known as a day of bad omens, laden with superstitions and folk beliefs with a negative connotation. Superstitions surrounding this day dictate that starting any new endeavors is ill-advised. "Don’t embark on a journey, don’t start a war, and don’t begin to build a house on this day," specialists from CJCPCT Cluj warn. It was believed that women who washed clothes on a Tuesday would become widows, and those who sowed seeds would face poor yields, because 'Tuesday is a dangerous day, and the seeds would never sprout.'
Moreover, it was thought that those born on this day would have a hard life. If someone fell ill on a Tuesday, it was said they would not recover, as this day was notorious for having three bad hours.
The culmination of these beliefs is the character Marțolea, a mythical being associated with misfortune that visited homes on this day. Women in the village of Boju expressed their fears, stating, "On Tuesday night, women do very little work, fearing the presence of Marțolea. This is a being that doesn’t belong anywhere, yet knows how to ruin what is forbidden. She comes when you are alone and disrupts your work until you can no longer do anything, based on what you know," villagers say.
While these traditions are not widely adhered to today, they provide a glimpse into the mentalities of traditional rural communities. They illustrate how daily events and life choices were often influenced by a complex system of beliefs and superstitions.
Simultaneously, the HoReCa industry in Cluj is facing a pressing issue of staff shortages, looking for over 200 employees at a Job Fair organized by AJOFM on March 19, 2025. Ana Maria Chiciudean, the executive director of AJOFM Cluj, noted that this job fair is the third of its kind and features 20 employers offering 225 vacant positions. "This fair is open to all job seekers, especially targeting the youth. In 2025, AJOFM Cluj secured two European-funded projects, aiming to engage and launch young individuals into the professions they desire. Employers are offering jobs in hospitality at hotels—such as housekeepers, receptionists, and roles in the hotel industry—alongside positions as bartenders, waiters, kitchen helpers, and baristas," Chiciudean detailed.
Raimonda Boian, spokesperson for the Cluj HoReCa Employers’ Association, highlighted the importance of job fairs, given the national deficit in qualified personnel has reached 25%. "Our mission is to encourage students enrolled in high schools and vocational schools in this domain to participate in competitions to show that these professions are forward-looking and can lead to quick employment. We aim to professionalize the workforce through educational institutions in the field," she explained.
In a notable success at the fair, an 18-year-old student named Natalia Matei from the Technical College of Food Industry 'Raluca Ripan' was awarded professional equipment for her achievements. Natalia, who secured first place at the National Skills Olympics, expressed her ambition to pursue her love for baking, saying, "I have been helping my mother in the kitchen since I was nine. I feel at home here, and when I’m stressed, I bake and all my worries dissipate." She also showcased a chocolate sculpture she created for Easter during the fair, emphasizing her hopes to open her own pastry shop upon graduating.
The academic community, represented by Adriana Rotar, a teacher at Bakery School and linked to the dual training system with the Technical College, praised Natalia as a remarkable student who faced stiff competition in Lyon, stating, "Natalia is an exceptional child who managed to hold her own among top competitors. I encourage her, reminding her that she has extraordinary chances, and everything depends on her."
On the political front, PSD Cluj Deputy Remus Lăpușan voiced his concerns regarding blockages orchestrated by AUR and POT in Parliament, accusing them of posturing instead of fulfilling their duties. "Today, the political statement session was canceled due to the so-called 'parliamentary strike' by AUR and POT. This is the second session I have missed this week due to their refusal to carry out their duties," he said. Lăpușan criticized the blocking tactics of these parties, declaring that such behavior undermines democracy and legal foundations.
As various sectors illustrate their struggles and triumphs, the narrative threading through Cluj remains one of resilience, tradition, and ambition amidst a backdrop of historical beliefs and modern challenges.
