Christmas in Romania

Christmas in Romania is a major annual celebration, celebrated on 24/25 of

December, as in most countries of the Christian world. The observance of
Christmas was introduced once with the Christianization of Romania but it
was then interrupted during the Communist period (19481989), as
concepts as religion, Jesus Christ or the Church were banned. In the postcommunist Romania, Christmas started being celebrated again more
festively.
The Christmas and holiday season starts officially on November 30, on Saint
Andrew's day and ends on January 7, with the celebration of Saint John.
Other major holidays in this period are Great Union Day, Saint Nicholas' Day,
Saint Ignatius' Day, Christmas Eve (Ajunul Craciunului in Romanian),
Christmas Day (Craciun in Romanian), Saint Stephen's day, New Year's Eve
(Revelion in Romanian), and the Epiphany.
Especially appreciated among children, St. Nicholas is celebrated on
December 6th with great fanfare and plenty of gifts. On Saint Nicholas Eve
all the children clean their boots, place them at the door and go to sleep
waiting for Mos Nicolae to fill them with plenty of gifts. In the morning, the
most obedient of them will discover lots of sweets tucked into their shoes,
while the naughty ones will only find the symbolic rod.
In Romania, Christmas has always been a great opportunity for family
members to get together in order to spend some time in the warm, loving
and cozy atmosphere of their home. A large part of Romanias population
lives outside the country and those who dont, are usually trying to make a
better living by working in large cities, away from their families.
However, during Christmas, most of Romanian houses are filled with
neighbors, relatives and good will a pleasant comfortable jamboree where
everyone giggles, dances, cooks and tells stories, not to mention the carol
singers constantly knocking at the door. Its a chance for any family member
to recharge his batteries and to create memories that will keep him warm
throughout the year to come.
Probably the best part of a Romanian Christmas is the laborious, magical
suite of carols that can be heard all over the country during this wonderful
time of the year, from the paths of the most remote villages to the classiest
venues in the capital. Often accompanied by wishes for health, prosperity
and fulfillment, Romanian carols are far from being just simple Christmas
songs. They usually come together with rituals, special costumes, tools and

even short theatrical performances, generating a genuine spectacle. Most

popular include Steaua (the Star boys singing procession), Capra (The Goat)
and Plugusorul. Overall, Romanian Christmas carols, whether religious songs,
pure folklore or theatrical performances, are all wonderful.
Other Christmas traditions and customs in Romania comprise: the decorating
of Christmas Tree, which is usually made by the whole family a couple of
days before Christmas; the arrival of Santa Claus with its bag full of gifts, a
practice that takes place on Christmas Eve; the decorating of each city with
millions of glowing lights and of course, the charming Christmas Markets
sprinkled all over the country.
These are just a few common Christmas practices in Romania, but the real
spectacle takes place in the countryside, where each region features its own
parade of folklore, old customs, traditions and festivals a truly authentic
experience that youll never forget.

by

Written
Priboi
Ilinca

Catoiu Alin
Cercel
Ana Maria
Morariu
Alexandra