Amusement wheel, Zăpodeni, Vaslui county, 20th century
The amusement wheel transferred in the museum from the Zăpodeni commune, locally called “hora”, is an open air archaic installation, used as entertainment for the young. It is made of two massive forks of oak wood on which the axle (“grindei”) is supported. Through it four beams (“bolzi”) are inserted, forming a cross. Four benches (also called swings) in which the youngsters stay are fixed to the beams. This ancient type of Ferris wheel was used during holidays, especially by the young, being put in movement by the participants. The boys, two by two, pushed up vigorously the ends of the crossing slats, setting the pace of the rotation. In exchange for their effort, they were rewarded with products specific to the holiday to which they participate (at the Easter, for example, they received painted eggs and cake).
Installations of this type, with some modernisations imposed by the passing of time, are still preserved in the north of Moldavia, as well as in other places in Europe, being tightly connected to the spring holidays of the local communities.
