These gates hark to early times when only free citizens were allowed to fully enclose their private yards while serfs were obliged to keep their yards visible from the road. Today, these differences no longer exist, but pride is still taken in having the most beautifully decorated gate in the neighborhood. The symbolism in wood decoration has a long history dating back through pre-Christian times. Symbols are found on almost any wooden object, whether a huge gate, a walking stick, or a small keepsake chest. In regions where thirteenth century Saxon colonists settled, and in the Danube Delta region where Russian Lipovens arrived at the end of the last century, there are strong traditions of painted furniture.
Motifs are usually floral, and their mellow, warm color palette works well with contemporary decor.
Saxon-style painted furniture is currently enjoying a revival, and can be found in homes in Romania and abroad. Weaving still is widely practiced in rural villages and some cities throughout the country. The predominant fibers are wool and cotton. In many villages, women still spin their own yarn alongside village lanes, using wool from sheep that they tend. Looms are commonly found in homes and are either horizontal or vertical.