The city of Lugoj, known for its rich cultural and artistic tradition, is home to a small but vibrant core of rebus enthusiasts who form the “Rebus Circle”, where they create squares for publications across the country. Five puzzle creators, most of them former teachers or officers, now retired, meet every Thursday, for two hours, at Casa Armatei in Lugoj, where they play with words.
With a history spanning over four decades, this circle represents a community that has managed to keep the art of crosswords alive in an age where intellectual challenges tend to be eclipsed by technology.
The Lugoj Rebus Circle was founded in the late 1970s, more precisely in 1979, on the initiative of some people who shared a common love for riddles and word games. Among the founding members are Valentin Sprâncean, an employee of the House of Culture, music teacher Pătru Goja, and Mihai Anghel, a passionate puzzle enthusiast.
The first meetings of the circle took place at the House of Culture in Lugoj in a modest but enthusiastic atmosphere. “We were pessimistic at the beginning, because we didn’t know if we would find interested people, but, to our surprise, the hall was full at the first meetings”, says Aurel Doboșan, the last president of the rebusists’ circle from Lugoj.
In the first years, the members of the circle made considerable efforts to participate in similar events organized in Timișoara and other cities in the country, being a period in which this activity had a particular scope.
In its heyday, the circle was actively involved in creating and solving puzzles and riddles for various national publications. Rebus magazine and other similar publications were the members’ main platforms for expression. They participated in competitions and collaborated with other circles in the country, gaining considerable respect among the rebus community in Romania.
First place in the country, in creation
“It wasn’t just a hobby, for us it was an art. We also got the first place in the country, for creation”, says Ioan Boar, one of the seniors of the Romanian puzzle. “Creating a square involved a meticulous process: choosing the theme, placing the words, defining them, and everything had to be perfectly balanced. It depends on what you want to create. If it’s something simple, it’s fast, but when it involves complex notions, it becomes a real test of patience and creativity”, explains Doboșan.
In the 1980s, the circle also organized local meetings, attracting dozens of participants from the city and the surrounding area. Those meetings were not only about solving puzzles, but also about sharing ideas and stories, thus creating a community united by close friendships.
After 1989, with social and economic transformations, interest in crosswords began to decline nationally. Publications that supported this form of entertainment became increasingly rare, and younger generations began to be attracted to other forms of recreation, especially digital ones.
Doboșan adds that the integrals have altered the classic concept of rebus: “It’s the difference between classical music and manele. There are several synonyms for integral; in rebus, the formulas are a little more complex,” he says.
“We invite young people to join us. It’s an activity that makes you think”
Currently, the Lugoj Rebus Circle has only five active members, most of them retired. However, they continue to meet weekly on Thursdays to work on new squares and discuss topics related to rebus art. “We meet for the sake of this tradition. There are not many of us anymore, but those of us who are still love this activity”, says Aurel Doboșan.
Although they sometimes receive symbolic rewards for their creations, circle members say their motivation is not material. They admit that the future is uncertain, but hope to attract more young people to this activity. Members emphasize the intellectual benefits of puzzles: developing logical thinking, improving vocabulary, and stimulating creativity.
“We invite young people to join us. It’s an activity that makes you think, collaborate and learn. It’s not just a game; it’s an intellectual challenge that develops you. We have only five people left: Aurel Doboșan, Ioan Manzur, Vasilie Cernicica, Ioan Boar and Mihai Tărnauciuc. There was also Mihai Enășoaiei, but now he is sick and has not come,” says Doboșan.
The circle also collaborates with publications such as Rebus, Rebus Mania, Rebusache, etc., keeping alive the Romanian tradition of rebuses, even in a more restricted environment.
Source: ziare.com
