This masked character stems from a Christian winter custom in Maramureș called Viflaim. The word comes from Viflaiem, Viflaem, Viflaim, the old Romanian name of the biblical city of Bethlehem.
The Viflaim is a popular play with a sacred theme which addresses the event of the birth of Jesus Christ. There are very few villages where the scene is still played and this is due to the high numbers of characters needed and the careful preparations required to be done well in advance.
There are 24 characters which include Joseph, Mary, Herodes, “the news bearer” the “inn keeper” the “angel” two shepherds the 3 mages from the east “the two soldiers” the “devil” the “old man” and the “Santinel.”
The Viflaim describes the scene of the birth of Jesus, combining the Christian dogma with the magic ritual. During the winter celebrations, an important role was and still is played by the practice of masking. Those wearing the masks were seeking to obtain spiritual connection with the superhuman powers.
