“Without our customs and traditions,
without out costumes and our language we
cannot call ourselves romanians”
romanians”
Holidays and folk customs, grouped around the winter (December 20 to January 7),
are generically called winter holidays. The period begins and ends during holidays
prefaced by Christmas Eve, Christmas and Epiphany, and intersecting in the middle
of New Year's Eve. The main festivals of the winter cycle - Christmas, New Year,
Epiphany - worked over time as independent moments of renewal of time and
beginning of the year.
Calendar habits and those of family life are a perennial part of our traditional culture.
The holidays between December 6 and January 7 is related to the richest repertoire of habits
that are focused around the two old men: Christmas Eve and Christmas. Therefore, a full
moon in the tradition is honored. The most common and lavish habits, traditions proved to
be those of the great Feast of Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.
For all of us, winter is not only snow and cold weather, but also that of joy occasioned by
many customs and traditions related to the celebration of the Nativity.
Last month of the year, Daylight ,popularly called, is full of religious events of winter
customs and habits of old, who resisted passage of time, being taken as such or adapted
to modern times. Christmas and New Year also go through a whole ritual of traditions,
among which stands out carols, songs, star, various shouts of Pluguşor, which vary
from one region to another and even from one village to another.
•
Period of Advent, prayer, Christian meditation, during which almost is
not usually a day without any remains of ancient times - starting in
mid-November. With the start of Advent, the traditional village installs
a state of agitation. Work on the field ended long ago, corn was well
put in storage in every household, and now all attention is directed
towards community preparation activities of the holiday season.
Sezatorile also begin.
Before Christmas, the winter holidays begin with Saint Nicholas.
Patron of Greece, Russia and many cities in
Western Europe, is one of the most popular saints of
Christianity, because of the many miracles both
during his life and after his death, being called
"Wonderworker", keeping the role of Santa children.
St. Nicholas comes from a wealthy family and is
known as the protector of the wrongly accused,
traders, travelers, maidens, brides and especially
small children. It is said that he was often seen
dressed in red and white bishop's robes, riding on a
donkey and making gifts to the needy.
Miracles of St. Nicholas, and the
resurrection of the three children killed by
an innkeeper or save from the wreck of
ships are known. Of the many stories that
we have a hero, the most famous being the
daughters of a rich man who had lost his
fortune. St. came in one night and threw
them out the window three bags of gold,
which they have the dowry. In the Middle
Ages, many churches were built in honor of
St. Nicholas. In the eleventh century his
remains were deposited in a church in the
Italian city of Bari.
St. Nicholas was a real person,
Archbishop of Myra and was born in the
town of Patara in Asia Minor in the second
half of the third century. At the First
Ecumenical Council held in Nicea in 325,
he was recognized as a great defender of
orthodoxy. The council condemned the
heresy of Arius, that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God, but a man with supernatural
powers. Holy, worried about a possible rift
that could take place in the Church, gave
the heretic Arius a slap.
St. Nicholas, the protector of children and people who are in trouble, is one of the
most celebrated saints in the world.
Holy Feast is on December 6, the day that traditionally offered gifts, especially to
children. During the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, Martin Luther
tried to stop the worship of saints, and the Feast of St. Nicholas was abolished in
many European countries. Dutch, like the Romanians, Hungarians, French, and
other Europeans have survived until today the customs of Saint Nicholas Day, on 6
December It is said that today is the day in which good wins evil, the light beats the
darkness.
If St. Andrew was put in sprouting
wheat to see how will be the
coming year, St. Nicholas is
putting in water twigs of fruit
trees, because they bloom, proof
of pardon mistakes, as the folk
traditions.
For the most awaited celebration
in December, Christmas,
Romanians turned equally to
tradition and customs . Christmas
itself is preceded by another day
with special significance - Ignatius
Ignat is the solar deity who took the
name and date of the celebration of St.
Ignatius Theophany (December 20) in the
Orthodox calendar, synonymous with
Ignatius Pigs.
On December 20 in the Orthodox
calendar is celebrating St. Ignatius. In
this day tradition ordains to be cut the
Christmas pig.
With pig blood they will make a sign of
the cross on the foreheads of children to
be healthy throughout the year.
After timing popular Christmas traditions
start the day before Christmas Eve
(December 23) when celebrating death which
descends from heaven to earth for mankind.
After midnight mass is a fasting food (cakes,
boiled wheat, beans, etc.) for waiters spirits
of the dead. Morning after sanctification
table, food is divided to family members and
neighbors.
All evening of December 23 starts the
wandering children, who are considered
good luck and happiness: Santa's Eve.
Ignatius is followed in natural sequence, the
feast of Christmas full of light.
Carols singing is an ancient custom , pre-Christian of
course , but in time came to do, they say , good house
with Christianity. Songs that attract luck and blessings
on people and households for the whole year ahead. In
ancient carols were "specialized" ( priest , pastor , big
girl , etc. . ) . An important category is strictly about
Christmas carols church , evoking the worship of the
Magi ( Viflaimul or Nativity Drama - beat your name
Bethlehem ) or panic and cunning Herod ( Herods ) ,
culminating in cutting infant ( the 14000 , which the
Church commemorates the 29 December). The scenarios
are simple, charming in their naivety . Around the same
time , young men walking with " Goat " ( Turkish,
Weathercock ) or " bear " in mottled and noisy bands (
reminiscent pagan ) . Star songs that are familiar today
(especially " top rising star ..." ) . " Pluguşorul " and "
Sorcerer " are related to the renewal of the year , having
no connection with religious cycle of Christmas.
Since the night of 23 December 24 at midnight and until dawn streets of small villages
singers voice sound .In cities we meet carols from evening until midnight.
In the villages, especially, are much better preserved the traditions this time of year. One of
the most popular traditions is the Romanian carols, ritual texts composed of ceremonial
dances and gestures. So on Christmas Eve, groups of carolers, traditional costumed at the
homes of householders wishes for health, happiness and prosperity, fulfillment of wishes in
the new year.
Santa's Eve anticipates the coming of Christmas. The first Christmas carols
are sung in the night of December 23 to 24.
Children of villages and towns, swimming through snowdrifts and huddling
cold, go cheerfully, in bands from house to house with the bag by the neck,
waiting for the wishes uttered: bagels, coils, apples and nuts. But, for some
time, besides the picturesque old usually intervened "choirs" which very
often sing .
Carols send wishes of good health, rich fruit, fulfillment of wishes in the new year.
Carols is the most prevalent tradition of Romanians. When people do not get carol
carolers, close doors or give gifts, magical effects are opposite, they are breaking
the rules of this custom.
In this case, we get a unique custom Romanian territory called
"descolindat" upset that they did not receive, carolers utter wishes of ill-fated and
ridicule, usually certified by researcher Peter Caraman.
Carol begins in the evening and after some rules . On Christmas Eve carol only
children, symbols of purity, the physical and moral cleanliness. It was not until
Christmas Day carol young men and women are excluded. Group of carolers is
held on the neighborhood and go from house to house, for their greeting is
considered auspicious.
Their arsenal consisting of bells, sticks and whips have meant that by the noise to chase
away evil forces. In the same context to recall games with masks: goat with its variants - and
even camel , giraffe, bear, Little Horses meant to stigmatize all ills in the community. Are
also represented occupational profiles: Innkeepers ,coppersmith ,farmer setc. From
costume unfailing string of bells, with the same purpose - to remove evil forces
December 24th is Christmas
Eve, and the customs of the
day are religious. Around this
important holidays they listen
carols, music for the soul, and
received carolers. Since the
morning that day until
midnight, groups of children
between five and fourteen
years go by "Christmas Eve"
("Trick or treat ...?") And
receive mostly nuts and
pretzels.
According to popular belief,
Christmas Eve (24 December), the
heavens open and make oracular
practices for staying away from
diseases and crop next year. It is
customary that on the Christmas
Eve on the meal are put two
loaves of bread, salt, fish, wheat
and a glass of water to the dead
who come to eat. Another popular
belief is the threat trees, the men
are going to ax trees in garden
and threatening that if they did
not bear fruit as it should, you cut
them.
Also in the night, Santa Claus comes to kids and make them presents under
the tree. But nobody knows for sure how Santa gets into people's homes, but
all the stories keep the note of mystery. Some children believe that in the
window, others think a stick magic helps to make small and penetrate through
the keyhole, and others, more cosmopolitan, believes that Santa comes from
the chimney.
Coming Christmas is one of the most
anticipated times of the year. He is the
reason of joy for the entire family,
loved ones occasion that gathers
around the Christmas tree, drank a
glass of wine in honor of the Nativity
and listen to carol singers greeting.
On Romanian lands, they are very
well preserved especially in the rural
world where customary at this time of
celebration is caroling, going with
goat star or Pluguşorul.
In Romania , winter holidays , especially the
Christmas celebrations are true soul ones. It brings
back strong childhood memories in mind and soul,
snow rich and abundant fruit foreboding , singing
carols and bells , the smell of fresh pine , and the
cake , the gifts under the tree waiting impatience
Winter , all create an atmosphere in the family of fairy
, peace and love. Christmas , is also called " family
celebration " is the occasion when all come together
: parents, children, grandchildren change their gifts ,
enjoy the moments spent together around the table ,
with the belief that by properly honoring celebrations
will be a rich year. From St. Nicholas to St. John,
Romanians feel festive . They wait , however ,
Christmas , the feast of the Nativity considered .
People have cultivated over time , creating traditions
and customs adapted to their specific culture .
Christmas is celebrated throughout the country with specific differences
in major geographic areas: Bucovina, Maramures, Transylvania, Moldova,
etc.. These ancient Christmas customs are practiced in some areas even
today.
Christmas Traditions in Moldova - Keeping light
One of the oldest traditions of Christmas, keeping the light is kept very few
Moldovans. Feast of the Nativity, Christmas binds the winter solstice, which is
the shortest day of the year. To "extend" and keep as much daylight, people did
pyre of logs to light. Nowadays, this custom was reduced to bread image that
symbolizes the well being.
Christmas traditions in Bucovina
Şezătorile of Advent,the renewal of houses, preparing traditional food,
carols, the ritual of slaughter pig, riding Star and Sorcova are part of the
Christmas traditions which are kept in Bucovina. Advent evening is held
until Christmas Eve, when the priest icon householders reach homes and
sanctifies the food. Women cooked meals for Christmas day . we find pickle
meat dumplings ,Beverage , meat, meat with horseradish and cream, walnut
and poppy seed cakes, smoked sausages.
BANAT
One of the oldest traditions is the Christmas carol. In some villages in Banat
centuries old Christmas traditions are still preserved today, going caroling
from house to house both children and youth divisions. On the first day of
Christmas carolers caroling star, reminiscent of the star that they followed the
three wise men to reach the place where the Christ child was born.
Another ancient custom is Viflaimul or Herods, representing a play by
recovering children the story of Jesus' birth. Tradition says that the person
who will receive the carol will be blessed and will have good luck in the coming
year, a sign of wealth and if the first person to enter the house for Christmas is
a man.
MARAMUREŞ
Houses must be lit and doors must be open.
OnChristmas Eve , bands of young men walked caroling.
Once you have prepared thoroughly for this day , the men begin
to wander from house to house . They will come only where they
are welcome . Therefore houses must be lit and the door open ,
just so men will know where to come .
It's shame that men do not step into the house. Carol you until
the day when all the groups of young men meet in the church.
Viflaimul is the climax .
After the end of Mass on December 25 , men should play
Viflaimul . "It's a play that represents the early days of Jesus' life .
In front of the church , everyone should know their role well . No
one is allowed to make mistakes. Even after hundreds of years,
this is usually enforced for Maramures . Viflaimul is the highlight
of Christmas.
Oltenia
In Oltenia, traditions and customs are unique,
which is still preserved in the countryside and
is a uniqueness in our country.
Searching in the fire: it is a custom practiced
in most villages Oltenia, on Christmas Eve. All
family members gather around the fire and, in
turn, give with a stick in the fire, saying:
"Morning's Eve? Like them better by
Christmas? In a good watch? Sheep wool?
Cows milk? Horses incurable? Healthy
people? Let there be pieces, corn, wheat."
Gathering garbage: it is a ritual that is
practiced even on Christmas Day. They walk
through the courtyard of the house and collect
all the garbage, in the belief that the
household will have many chickens and
women squats as hens will sit on the eggs, in
the following year.
Carols: in all Oltenia there are many carols
sung, but the most popular and widespread
are the Star and the Great plow. Star: an
ancient tradition that is still alive on Christmas
Eve and until dawn. Plow the Great: Usually
what is the most common practice in the New
Year. The plow is organized by the young men
of the village, and was led by a valiant boy
named "staroste", which have the task of
keeping the plow horns and passing greeting.
The gang usually consisted of 12 boys and
unlike Pluguşor, went only to wealthy families
in the village.
Habits for finding Fates: The New Year is believed that unmarried
girls can be weird for fulfilling certain prescribed rituals. Thus,
they included the link with closed eyes seem tenth of wattle and
the next day went to see as hair, to know how to show the weird. If
hair was straight, her future husband will be handsome. If one
piece of wood was peeling, the girls will have an ugly man, and if it
was gnarly, they will get a rich partner.
Star songs that are familiar today
(especially "top rising star …)This usually
like to remember the star that announced
the birth of Jesus and guided the three
wise men.
Songs about star come from different
sources: some Orthodox Byzantine
literature, some from medieval Latin
literature of the Catholic Church, some of
the literature shade Calvin and many of
them, even the local traditions. Little
chorus of stellar entering the house in the
days of Christmas, singing religious verses
about the birth of Jesus: "Star rises up" "In
the city of Bethlehem," "what happened at
the wedding," "Three Magi from the east".
Besides great evening of carols and carols
evening is St. Basil, along with Pluguşorul.
From Christmas to
Epiphany, children
walk with "star", an old
custom that meets all
Christian peoples. Sing
carols Christmas Eve
until Epiphany. Like
any other traditional
customs, carols, they
have a lot of variants
and versions specific
to different regions.
In Romanian mythology legend myth merged with Pastor
Christmas Nativity. It is said that without the husband
Craciuneasa host receives the Virgin, offering a stable
shelter. About this Christmas is soon her husband, a man
noted for his wickedness in the land. As a reward he cut his
wife's hands but they are stuck in a place of Our Lady.
Christmas miracle converts himto christianity. Of joy that
his wife escaped the punishment of reckless, Christmas
lights a bonfire of pine stumps in his yard and play dance
with all his servants. After the game divides pastoral gifts of
the Holy Family: milk, cheese, curd, cream. From here
Santa's transfiguration into a saint, who brings gifts to
children on Jesus' birth, which usually coincides with the
memory of the gifts, as legend evangelical Magi Kings
brought them into the fold of the new Messiah.
Songs of Christmas joy to
all of his servants was
turned into carols .Met
over two thousand years
Santa Claus lured by the
smell of fir and cake,
fresh out of the oven
comes loaded gifts for the
little boy. Arrived at the
North Pole with elves and
reindeer, according to the
latest standards he sits
gifts under Christmas
trees
beautifully
decorated.
Christmas tree as we know it today, decorated with ornaments
which reflect shimmering light candles or electrical , it has always
been thus adorned . While in Europe , pre-Christian origin is not
disputed by anyone, opinions are still divided : some see the tree
representation of the " Tree World" ( from the old cult of trees ) ,
others consider it a direct reference to the " Tree of Paradise "
adorned with a bright red apple , reminiscent of the sins committed
by the people first before their expulsion from Paradise .
Until the late fifteenth century were adorned with green twigs homes
for Christmas , as gifts and people did to each other were considered
pagan tradition . But before long , will be used in place of a whole
tree . According to the documents , in 1605 , in Strasbourg was
erected the first Christmas tree in a public market . There was still
adorned with candles and red apples . In 1611, in Breslau , Duchess
Dorothea adorns first Christmas tree as we know it today .
. Any Christmas tree
has lights. Elders say
that candles and
Christmas tree lights
banishes evil in the
world, the home of the
soul.
Until the nineteenth century , Christmas was not a very
popular character that scare and threaten children . It
seems that Santa has become a totally different
commercial factor . These two events publishing and
advertising campaign .
Clement Moore was the one who wrote in 1822, "The
Night Before Christmas ' " for his family. The story was
picked up by a newspaper and reprinted in magazines ,
spreading around the world. Moore admitted that the
author of the story until 1938 . In his poem is the image of
gentle and kind old man who goes by reindeer sled enters
the chimney and leaves presents under the Christmas
tree, stuffed sack . There was then a series of illustrated
stories in " Harper 's Weekly ", where Santa Claus was
seen working in his workshop toys, children's reading and
checking letters and gift list . Finally , the image of Santa
with a white beard , chubby cheeks and eyes were playful
printed advertising campaign of Coca- Cola in the 30's ,
which continued until 1964 . The author of this image is
Haddon Sundblom .
Christmas Day (December 25), the
former Dacian new year, is full of
ancient traditions: carols, riding star
(up to Epiphany, the Saint John),
Herods (the coming of the Magi by
star). Christmas customs include the
partition of the first coil flakes
Christmas poultry and cattle to be
protected from diseases ,superstition
that if Christmas is warm, Easter will
be cold, and vice versa . On
Christmas Day people don’ t sweep
and do not remove the garbage out
of the house overnight.
Starting today and ending Ignatius
Christmas elsewhere since Christmas
day, and the others are only accustomed
day of Saint Basil, the lads walk with the
bear, goat and children with Star ("Who
receives star the beautiful and bright ...
"). As in other games with masks applied
during the winter holidays, and the goat
and gave way, in addition to traditional
masks (goat shepherd, Gypsy) masks of
devils and estates which by cries,
shouts, funny movements, increase
grade humor and cheerfulness,
sometimes giving a hint of the
grotesque.
The goat game
The game "goat" (killing, crying, burial, resurrection) at
home was of course a serious ceremony, a religious
element. The game became a ritual meant to bring
fruitful year ahead, growth in the livestock herds
shepherds, the success of crops - beans invoked and
evoked host is cast over the procession "goat“. The goat
plays after the whistle, and the end, one of the lads,
approaching the table where family members begin to
have fun. The lads play the mistress of the house, the
girls and even the maid, if in the house, and then
thanking removed.
For Christmas, we think of loved ones, be they near or far, which we send
greetings. The custom was started by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, the first card
was designed by JC Horsley, selling thousands of copies in London.
Another English artist, William Egley, produced a popular card in 1849. From
the beginning, the themes and images were varied as Christmas customs
around the world. From props are not missing candles, flame tree with
ornaments, Santa Claus.
Santa Claus is a symbol of what we have better. Wisdom, honesty,
cheerfulness, good humor are some of the features of the old man who
became famous in the mid twentieth century.
The traditions of the winter holidays with the family, there are many tales,
poetry and love. Who wants to know the Romanian soul to enter his house,
especially in winter. We see then how he worships with his face to the East,
where the light comes, he makes the sign of the cross before and after meals
or as before cutting the bread, she made ​over her with a knife, sign of the
cross three times.
We are a rich nation spiritually. Many traditions and customs of rare beauty
and of great spiritual value are concentrated around two major winter
holidays: Christmas, Nativity of Christ, and that the New Year. We have
inherited from our ancestors Roman feast of the New Year, adorned with lots
of traditions. To these were added poetry and legends of the shepherds in the
Carpathian Mountains Dacians.
Pluguşorul and Sorcova are related to the renewal year, having no
connection with religious cycle of Christmas
Sorcova? Cheerful ? Let
flourished? Like an
apple? Like hair? Like a
strand of rose? Hard as
a rock? Quick as arrow?
Quick as iron? Strong as
steel '? Next year and
happy birthday
After the New Year, the most practiced habits are Sorcova
winter, cross Chiraleisa and Leaving water on Epiphany.
Sorcova or seeding is an ancient custom practiced on the
first day of the New Year, St. Basil, when children go to
neighbours and relatives branches of artificial flowers,
adorned with colored ribbons, or, in the absence of such
rods, armed with wheat, rice, barley, beans and other
grains that throws the door of the householder. Chiraleisa
practice on the eve of Epiphany, when groups of girls and
boys wander "Chiraleisa! Chiraleisa! Chiraleisa!
"Religious formula adapted version of" Rent Eleison.
"Epiphany, after the religious service in the church
officiating is going in procession to "the sacred water",
the priest throws a cross in icy water, and a boy goes
quick to remove. That habit of letting water enter cross
basically string winter holidays.
Eve of Epiphany day fasting
Epiphany Eve take fasting, people
do not eat and do not drink
anything. Canons of the Church
teaches that Theophany Eve is
totally fasted, and the next day take
holy water on an empty stomach.
Theophany or Epiphany, celebrated
on January 6 next day the Holy
Prophet John the Forerunner,
celebrated on January 7, ending
cycle of winter holidays and has, in
addition to the Christian meanings spiritual moment of birth of the
Saviour - traits celebration popular.
Epiphany – the sainting of water
On the day of Epiphany Water holiness occurs during Jordan .
Preparing this time point , and today , with attention , in every
community . Venue of the job is chosen together with the village
priest , usually a larger space - which is at least a well - in the
immediate vicinity of streams, a man in the household or in the
churchyard . For this time fetching water , which was placed in large
wooden vessels , and now everything is cut , the river, a large cross
ice . Around this cross or around the cross which is normally in the
churchyard , takes place throughout religious ceremony , in which
all the souls of the community.
After the consecration of the water, turned into holy water , each
villager takes the holy water in vessels of wood or glass that came
from home. On the way back they cry " Chiraleisa " - for future
wealth Crops , air purification and increase as high as hemp - and
pour a little holy water in all wells in sight . Once home, sanctify the
people with holy water: the shed , barn animals, barn , orchard trees
, the house and inside the house.
Feast of St. John the Baptist - Forerunner of the
Lord
The day after Theophany on January 7,
Church commemorates St. John the Baptist, the
Forerunner of the Lord called the last great
prophet of the Old Testament, but also the one
who made ​the move to the New Testament
period. In memory of Christendom he will remain
as the one baptizing the Saviour Jesus Christ in
the Jordan, discovered the first world, that Jesus
is truly the Messiah, the great messenger of God,
Saviour expected by everyone, as they come to
us deliver them from the bondage of sin and
death.
John the baptist