The mask procession accompanying the Dance of the Goat is an old Romanian Christmas custom that can be seen mostly in the villages of Moldova. Believed to have the power of bringing good health, happiness, and prosperity, ôthe Goatö is a vividly coloured costume worn by a villager. He is accompanied by several persons wearing costumes of musicians and dancers. The mask, in the shape of a goat head, is made of wood, covered with fur; it is decorated with genuine goat horns. The lower jaw of the goat head is mobile and makes a stifled noise. The costume is decorated with ribbons, pearls, flowers and multicoloured pompons. A symbol of fertility and a abundance in the coming spring, the Dance of the Goat is vivid and lively. The dancers perform it in front of every house, in an attempt to send away the cold and the sunless days of winter.
