At the beginning of spring, one of the most recognisable symbols of good luck is the chimney sweep, often worn close to the heart as a traditional „mărțișor.” We know this figure from songs and popular superstitions (“a chimney sweep crossed your path”), from picturesque urban imagery, and from famous stories such as Mary Poppins, where chimney sweeps are almost mythological characters, suspended between rooftops and the sky.
But how well do we really know the story behind this character?
The chimney sweep is not merely a symbol of good fortune, but an essential figure in the history of cities, with a story that is often a harsh one. This profession is closely linked to the emergence of stoves, fireplaces, and indoor heating systems. With the advent of domestic fire, present in human life for over a thousand years, smoke inevitably appeared as well, along with the need to maintain chimneys in order to prevent fires and poisoning.
As early as the 16th century, the profession of chimney sweep began to be regulated in Europe, organized into guilds with strict rules, professional hierarchies, and initiation rituals. In many cities, chimney sweeps held a special status, being considered indispensable to the safety of the community. Over time, their image has oscillated between the reality of hard, often dangerous labor and the symbolic aura of luck, prosperity, and protection.
Let us a welcome a touch of good fortune and to discover the story and history of the chimney sweep, an essential character in the life of cities of the past.
We will explore their role in the development of urban life, the technological transformations of heating systems, and the way the chimney sweep became a cultural figure, present in art, literature, and the collective imagination.
The event will be presented by Florin Cătățeanu, a technical expert in the field, with training and specializations at chimney and fireplace manufacturers, a professional who combines a passion for history with technical rigor and hands-on experience.
The lecture will take place at Captain Pandele’s end of XIXth century home, where spectacular historic stoves will perfectly integrate into the theme of the evening as silent witnesses of an era when fire was the heart of the home.
📅 February 27
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 PLAN4, 4 Plantelor Street
🕰️ Duration: approximately 2 hours
☕ Afterwards: open discussion with the guest and a short social gathering featuring period-inspired sweets
🎟️ Attendance is by ticket only, and places are limited.
📩 For further information:
• About the venue: contact@planpatru.ro
• About the event content & tickets: asociatia.nouanepasa@gmail.com
Photo source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Little_Chimney_Sweep_by_Jules_Bastien-Lepage.JPG