Babele (The Old Women) is my latest series of illustrations made in order to celebrate the beginning of spring. Romanians say that the days from the first until the ninth of March are all represented by an old woman. In this period, the tradition says to pick a day from one to nine to find out how the coming year will be. If the chosen day is sunny and bright, that means that the year will be happy and wealthy. On the other hand, if the day is rainy and cold, the year will come with tears, sorrow, and poverty.
The legend of the old women is associated with the story of Baba Dochia who decided to take the sheep heard on the mountain as she thought the spring came. During the trip, the sun makes her take off the coats, one by one, until she remains without any coat. Tragically, the weather suddenly changes and Baba Dochia freezes. Her death on March 9 represents the passing between the cold season and the warm one.
In my illustrations, I associated each of these first nine days of March with what I consider a symbol of spring and gave them the shape of old women.
It's the time of year when everything in nature is changing and promising new life and new hope.
“Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.” Illustration dedicated to the fresh showers of spring.
An old lady at the market. Illustration inspired by the outdoor market that takes place every Thursday in the town where my grandparents live. Sellers there can always provide everything you need.
