Lenuta Ilie-Seminarul Teologic Ortodox,,Sf. Ioan Gura de Aur'' Husi

                      Winter holidays in Romania

St Nicholas, 6th of December. Winter holidays begin with it and it’s celebrated in many European countries. This important holiday honors the generosity and kindness of St. Nicholas. He is called Mos Nicolae in Romanian. Children and adults receive presents in their shoes. St. Nicholas arrives at night, placing the presents only in the shoes of those people who behaved well. The naughty ones receive a twig that reminds them that they are punished for misbehavior. The twigs are sold in gold, silver or decorated versions, but people often opt for a simple small tree branch instead of buying these fancy twigs. The presents are not as big as the Christmas ones, the most common gifts being sweets and fruits.

It is commonly known that snow on this day means that St. Nicholas shakes his beard for the winter to kick off. On December 5th in the evening, shoes (generally boots) are wiped, polished and left in front of the door or on a windowsill. People whose names are Nicholas and its derivatives celebrate their name days on this occasion, the ceremony being similar to the birthday one. It is said that St. Nicholas helps people who are ill or suffer.

 Christmas, celebrated on the 25th-26th of December, is the most important holiday in Romania. Christians celebrate Lord Jesus’ birth with merriness and love. The Advent season begins on the 14th of November and ends on the first day of Christmas. During these 7 weeks, Orthodox people fast, meaning that they don’t eat food which comes from animal sources, such as meat, dairy products and eggs. There are a couple of days though when they can make an exception and eat fish.  

On Christmas Eve (24th December), family members gather around the Christmas tree which is decorated on this evening or earlier in December. Children go caroling from door to door in their neighborhood and they receive sweets or money as a reward. They also sing Christmas carols at home. Even adults or groups of people go caroling on Christmas Eve. In some regions, dances are performed along with singing.

On the night before Christmas, it is believed that Santa Claus arrives on its sleigh drawn by reindeers and leaves gifts in every house near the Christmas tree. Those who have been naughty throughout the year, don’t receive anything. Friends and relatives buy more or less significant presents for each other, for example gadgets, toys, clothes, money, holidays, accessories, home decorations, sweets and so on. Children write letters for Santa well in advance, in which they ask for things and make wishes. It’s the perfect occasion for family members to reunite and spend wonderful moments together. On the 25th of December, people check out their Christmas gifts and go to church. Some people prefer to open their presents on Christmas Eve.

Presentation made by Anca A.