Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-19
MILE. CRETz|ANO
TELLSOF RUMAN|A
CoIorful Scenes in Villages
and Customs of Natives
Are Described.
BY GRETCHEN SMITH.

The youngest diplomatic hostess In
Washington is Mile. Jeanne Cretziano,
daughter of the Rumanian Minister,
who despite her youth, fills her posi-
ton with dignity which might well be
source of pride to one of more ma
ture years and experience.
Mile. Cretziano never has gone to
school. Her excellent education has
been received through the tutoring of
governesses. Speaking five languages
fiuently, Mile. Jeanne disclaims any per-
sonal credit, attributing her linguistic
ability to a heritage common to her
countrymen.
Tells Of Day in Village.
Mile. Cretziano speaks with authority
upon the customs and characteristics Of
her own country. She described day
In a Rumanian village.
ut is still the CUSTOM" she said, "in
spite of the many changes since the peas
ants became landowners, for the country
people to gather in the village square on
Sunday, in native costume. Each prov
ince has colorS and embroidery designs
peculiar to that section. It is bright
and gay sight to watch the people hold
their dances, for which gypsy bands
play.
LAS a rule a gypsy orchestra is, COM
posed of violins and zimbols, which are
instruments similar to xylophones. They
sing as they play and the songs usually
are sad and plaintiye
I'VE have a great many gypsieS in
Rumania, who wander about the coun-
try in great bands. AS a rule, they are
not liked or trusted by the peasants, but
their music is popular with every one.
The Rumania people as race very
musical. They sing as they come and
90 to their work; sad sorgs, in the same
weird minor key of the gypsy music.
Quaint Custom Described.
A quaint custom which still prevails
among the country people was told OF
by Mile. CretZiano.
so many of the peasants in Rumania
play the flute. 1t is particularly popu-
lar with the shepherds, and frequently.
when one is travelling in a remote part
of the country the notes of flute may
be heard coming from the distant hills,
where some boy is guarding sheep"
The Minister'S daughter explained the
decline in the beautiful embroidery
work for which Rumanian women have
been famous for many generations.
Now that the peasants have been
given land" she said, ''the women do
not have as much time to give to the
beautiful cross-stitch embroidery.
"A few years ago Nine. Bretiano
wife of the former prime minister, fear
ing that the art embroideries of Ru-
mania might disappear, started move
ment to revive interest in the work
She established shop in Bucharest
where are sold some OF the most beauti-
full samples of native embroidery, wood
carving and pottery.
Buyers Sent Through Country.
"Twice year she sent buyers
throughout the districts where the ma
tive arts and industries are practiced
The money which is earned by her shop
Is given to charity"
In referring to native arts OF Ru-
mania, Mile. CretZiano expressed hei
surprise at the similarity between Ger.
tain native rugs of her country ano
those of the Navajo Indians OF the
United States.
On d recent NlSiI W hilAolla, ok
said, II noticed that not only were the
Navajo rugs very much like our rugs In
weave, but the designs were almost
| identical"
Although the educated women of hel
country have not entered into the bust
| mes and political life of the nation a.
have those of other lands, Mile. Cret-
ziano stated that many who, in former
years, possessed vast estates, nov
| greatly reduced since the distribution
| among the peasants, have found it ad
vantageous to undertake the manage
I ment of their own property.
Sports Are Popular.
Sports are popular among the young
girls of Rumania. Horseback, swimming
and hunting are those most widel!
patronized. Mile. Cretziano follow
sports keenly. She rides great deal IL
Washington, where she is member o
the Riding and Hunt CLUB, plays gol