Winter brings a magical and meaningful period in Romania, with a succession of festivities and traditions that begin at the end of November and conclude in January. These celebrations encompass a variety of popular and religious customs, each with its own cultural and spiritual significance, marking a time of reconnection with family, ancient traditions, and spiritual values.
30 November – St. Andrew: Protector of Romania
The first important celebration of winter is St. Andrew, observed on 30 November. St. Andrew is regarded as the protector of Romania and the Romanians, being the apostle who brought Christianity to our lands. Although the feast is religious in nature, it is also linked to numerous folk traditions.
Customs of St. Andrew On St. Andrew’s Eve, it is believed that evil spirits emerge, which is why homemakers smear doors and windows with garlic to ward off harm. Young people plant wheat seeds to germinate, to predict whether the coming year will be prosperous, while unmarried girls perform various divination rituals to learn when and with whom they will marry.
1 December – Romania’s National Day: Celebration of the Great Union
1 December is celebrated by Romanians as the National Day of Romania, commemorating one of the most significant moments in the country’s history: the 1918 Union. On this day, Romanians remember the Great Union at Alba Iulia, when in 1918 all the historic Romanian provinces united into a single state, Greater Romania. This unification was the fulfillment of the national ideal and the consolidation of the identity and unity of the Romanian people.
Significance of 1 December The National Day was not always celebrated on 1 December. It was previously observed on 10 May (the date of independence proclamation in 1877) and later on 23 August during the communist era. After the 1989 Revolution, 1 December was established as the National Day, marking the Great Union of 1 December 1918, formalized by the National Assembly at Alba Iulia. Through this union, Transylvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureș joined the Kingdom of Romania, which already included Moldavia and Wallachia, thus giving birth to Greater Romania, a dream pursued by generations.
6 December – Moș Nicolae
In Romania, Moș Nicolae is another beloved celebration, especially by children, who polish their boots on the evening of 5 December in anticipation of gifts. It is said that Moș Nicolae brings presents for good children, and for those who have misbehaved, he leaves a small rod.
Customs of Moș Nicolae This feast focuses on children and family. In some regions, the tradition of exchanging sweets and small gifts among friends and relatives is maintained. Moș Nicolae symbolizes generosity and the joy of giving.
20 December – Ignat
Ignat is the day of the pig’s slaughter, an ancient and symbolic tradition for preparing Christmas. On Ignat, rural families slaughter the pig with solemnity. Pork products such as sausages, head cheese, blood sausage, and lard will be indispensable on the holiday table.
Customs of Ignat After the slaughter, the household gathers for the “Pomana Porcului” and prepares a stew from the first cuts of meat. This meal is a moment of shared communion and joy with family and neighbors, meant to give thanks for the year’s abundance.
24 December – Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve marks the beginning of celebrating the Nativity of the Lord. On this evening, children and young people go caroling from house to house to proclaim the birth of Jesus. The carols are ancient songs that carry meanings of joy and hope, and those who host carolers offer them bread rings, apples, nuts, or sweets in return.
Customs of Christmas Eve Homemakers prepare the Christmas meal, and decorating the house and adorning the Christmas tree are family activities, with every member contributing to create a festive and warm atmosphere.
25 December – Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a celebration of joy, commemorating the Nativity of the Lord. Families gather to spend time together, and the Christmas feast is a banquet with traditional dishes such as cabbage rolls, pork roast, and cozonac. Christmas is a moment of reconnection with family and loved ones.
31 December – New Year’s Eve (Revelion)
New Year’s Eve is a celebration full of merriment and hope. Romanians welcome the New Year with abundant meals, dancing, and good cheer, and in many parts of the country there are special carols and wishes for prosperity in the year ahead.
1 January – St. Basil and Sorcova
The first day of the year is dedicated to St. Basil, and children go around with the Sorcova, a custom through which they wish their hosts health, abundance, and a prosperous year. Sorcova is a bundle of colorful artificial flowers used to “sorcova” the hosts, symbolizing the desire for renewal and vitality.
Customs of St. Basil Children go from house to house with the Sorcova, reciting ritual verses of blessing, and the hosts reward them with sweets, fruits, or money. This custom symbolizes the beginning of a new cycle of life, filled with hope and positive energy.
6 January – Epiphany (Boboteaza)
Epiphany (Boboteaza) is a Christian feast that commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. It is an important day in the Romanian religious calendar, and in some regions, the ceremony of throwing a cross into the water is organized, after which brave young men dive in to retrieve it. It is believed that the one who recovers the cross from the water will have good fortune throughout the year.
Customs of Epiphany Priests bless the homes, and the holy water (agheasma) is used by the faithful to purify their dwellings and ward off evil. It is also believed that on this day, unmarried girls can discover their future by performing divination rituals.
7 January – St. John
St. John is celebrated the day after Epiphany, being one of the most important feasts of the winter season. It is the day on which all those bearing the name Ioan, Ion, or Ioana are honored. It is a family celebration, and Romanians customarily visit relatives and friends who bear this name.
Customs of St. John According to tradition, it is believed that anyone who does not celebrate St. John’s Day will be sad and melancholic throughout the year. Many families organize festive meals and offer gifts to those being celebrated.
24 January – Unification Day of the Romanian Principalities
The day of 24 January marks the Unification of the Romanian Principalities, a significant historical event for Romanians. Although it is not a religious feast, this day is an occasion to celebrate national unity and identity. In major cities, public parades and cultural events are held to commemorate this important moment in Romania’s history.
Customs of Unification Day Parades, folk dances, and official ceremonies are organized, and Romanians across the country symbolically join the Hora of Union, singing and dancing. It is a moment of national pride and gratitude toward the ancestors who contributed to the formation of the modern Romanian state.
Conclusion
Winter in Romania is not just a cold season, but a time of celebration, traditions, and reconnection with cultural and spiritual values. Each winter holiday and custom tells the story of a nation rich in traditions and beliefs. From St. Andrew to the Unification Day of the Principalities, every event carries a message of hope, faith, and solidarity, passing on to future generations a part of Romania’s cultural identity and wealth.
What is the significance of the celebration of St. Andrew in Romanian traditions? St. Andrew is considered the protector of Romania and the apostle who brought Christianity to these lands. The celebration combines religious elements with folk customs, such as smearing doors with garlic to repel evil spirits and sprouting wheat to predict the next year’s prosperity. Unmarried girls practice divination rituals to learn about their future spouse.
Why is 1 December an important day for Romanians? 1 December marks Romania’s National Day, commemorating the Union of Alba Iulia in 1918, when the historic provinces united into a single state. This day symbolizes the national ideal of unity and independence, celebrated with military parades, ceremonies, and cultural events.
How is Moș Nicolae celebrated in Romania? Moș Nicolae is awaited on the evening of 5 December, when children polish their boots to receive gifts. The generosity and symbolism of this holiday are highlighted by the presents exchanged among friends and family, while misbehaving children traditionally receive a small rod.
What does Ignat represent in Romanian traditions? Ignat, on 20 December, is dedicated to the sacrifice of the pig, symbolizing preparation for Christmas. The custom is marked by the “Pomana Porcului”, a festive meal that unites family and neighbors in gratitude for the year’s abundance.
What are the specific traditions of Christmas Eve? On Christmas Eve, children and young people go caroling, heralding the Nativity of the Lord. They are rewarded with apples, nuts, or sweets. In homes, the Christmas tree is decorated and the festive meal is prepared, creating an atmosphere of joy and communion.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in Romania? Christmas Day, on 25 December, is a family celebration. The festive table includes traditional dishes such as sarmale, pork roast, and cozonac. It is a moment of thanksgiving, prayer, and reconnection with loved ones, symbolizing the Nativity of the Lord.
What role do the Plugușor and Sorcova play in New Year’s traditions? The Plugușor and Sorcova are customs practiced by children on New Year’s Eve and 1 January. Through these carols and well-wishes, they invoke abundance, health, and luck for the new year. Sorcova, made of colorful flowers, symbolizes renewal and vitality.
What are the specific traditions of Epiphany? Epiphany (6 January) commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. In some regions, priests throw a cross into the water and young men dive in to recover it. The holy water is used to purify homes and provide spiritual protection.
What significance does St. John’s Day hold? St. John’s Day, on 7 January, honors the protector of joy and health. It is the day to celebrate those named Ioan, Ion, or Ioana, and tradition holds that those who neglect the celebration will be melancholic all year.
Why is the Unification Day of the Romanian Principalities important? On 24 January, Romanians commemorate the Unification of the Principalities in 1859 under Alexandru Ioan Cuza. This union was a significant step toward the formation of the modern Romanian state. The day is celebrated with folk dances, cultural events, and official ceremonies.
