Today’s article is special and relevant. And, if you allow me to say, kind of celebrational. We already said many things for different subjects through this corner, we already made together some Romanian lessons by providing you words and phrases usual for your first steps in your way to learn the Romanian language, until of course you consider of hiring a Romanian teacher! (except if you have the time and the patience to learn them by yourself through maybe an ‘’online Romanian lessons’’ site or even in person).
Today we will speak about Romanian Christmas traditions and customs. It is a reality that, as the years pass, keeping a custom alive, it is proved to be a tough task. Fortunately, there are people, professors, folklorists, even simple persons, that set as purpose in their lives to maintain these traditions. And good thing, there are many. But the Christmas traditions, especially the Romanian ones, are very rich and diverse, deeply rooted in culture and history. The holiday season in Romania is a time of joy and celebration mostly because of these unique customs that have passed down through generations. Let’s explore together the Romanian Christmas traditions, from delicious dishes to unique songs and desserts. Are you ready for this festive journey?
Colinde de Crăciun-Christmas carols
Starting with our subject, we couldn’t have thought of something else than the Colinde-Carol singing. These melodious songs have transcended generations, and they help with echoing the spirit of the season and preserving centuries-old tales. Many of these carols carry historical significance, telling us about religious narratives, biblical stories, and, of course, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve-Ajunul Crăciunului, the groups of children (and not only) go from door to door singing the traditional carols. The owners give them dulciuri-sweets mostly and sometimes bani-money. In the countryside, the carolers are gifted with nuts, pretzels, and fruits. Moreover, the owners can even give them wine and some other traditional sweets. Unfortunately, this custom is maintained mostly in the villages and less in the cities. In some areas in Romania, they keep it even more ‘’live’’ by wearing traditional clothes, like in Maramures.
For you to picture it, we will describe some of the traditional clothes that carolers wear in Romania. This clothing reflects the diversity of Romanian culture; it is often colorful and holds significant meaning. For example, in Maramures, a region known especially for keeping alive all the rich folklore and traditions, the traditional clothing includes fur hats – căciulă, waistcoats – ițari, and traditional leather footwear – opinci. You can see that the outfits include some specific geometrical patterns and vibrant colors. When it comes to women, they wear long skirts, embroidered blouses – ie, and headscarves adorned with floral motifs. In some other regions, like Bukovina and Moldova, men’s attire might include fur coats – cojoace. The clothing items are mostly the same, but (very importantly) the pattern is different, depending on the region. Every region has unique specific motifs and colors.
Remaining in the singing area, there is the custom of the Capra-song of the goat. Same story here, groups of young men go from door to door and one of them is dressed like a goat and dances while the others sing.
Then, there is the ‘’Viflaim’’ play. Again, the door to door thing, but this time, the young men will imitate through a mini theatrical play, the scene where King Herod asked from his soldiers to murder all the new born babies under 3 years old trying to kill Jesus. After the play, they sing.
Afterwards, we have the famous ‘’Junii’’. These are a group (another one!) of young men who sings specific carols to unmarried young women. Other beautiful melodies that will be around everywhere during the holiday season are La Vitleem colo-n jos – To Bethlehem Down Below, O, ce veste minunată – Oh, What Wonderful News, and Steaua sus răsare – The Star Rises High. Each one of these carols carries its unique melody and lyrics, spreading joy and festive spirit.
Masa de Crăciun-Christmas dinner
Now let’s say some words about the traditional dishes they prepare and serve on Christmas in Romania. The preparations for Christmas dinner often starts weeks in advance. The cooking dishes have been passed down through generations. To begin with, there is sarmale which are also served on Easter and they are stuffed cabbage leaves with meat, ciorbă de porc, which is basically a pork soup, a big variety of meat and sausages (mostly pork) and as for the sweets, they have the famous cozonac, a special fluffy cake with walnut cream and poppyseeds and gogoși, a type of doughnuts. Also, you will find at the Christmas table colaci, a type of sweet bread ring, and cornulețe, crescent-shaped cookies adorned with powdered sugar. We cannot forget about the iconic mămăligă – polenta, served as a side dish which accompanies various meats.
Speaking about mâncarea tradițională de Crăciun-traditional Christmas food and especially carne de porc-pork meat, we have the custom of the tăierea porcului-pig slaughtering and I hope the veggies forgive us! Usually, on December 20th or Ignat– St. Ignat day, in the countryside, in most of the households, they slaughter a pig. From its meat, they will prepare the cârnații-sausages and the rest of its parts in order to be consumed on Christmas.
Also, if you like pork as much as the Romanians do, we have to tell you about the special dish called răcitură – a meat jelly made from boiled pork, which solidifies into a gelatinous consistency when cooled. It is often flavored with garlic and served cold.
The Christmas dinner in Romania is not only about the meals; it is a time for families to come together and share not only the delicious meal but also stories, laughter, and memories. Of course, the atmosphere is filled with traditional carols. Also, every dish holds symbolic significance. For example, sarmale symbolizes the unity of the family members, mămăligă represents the harvest and fertility, and cozonac signifies the sweetness of life. Also, the dinner is not fully complete without the wine. For Romanians, wine has an important role, every family being very proud of their natural product and unique recipe. Wine symbolizes joy, abundance, and celebration, bringing people together. Family members raise their glasses, expressing good wishes, gratitude, and blessings for health and happiness. Also, offering wine to guests and visitors during the Christmas season is a sign of hospitality and generosity.
Also, you need to know that, during the colder months, including the holiday season, vin fiert – mulled wine is a very popular choice. It is made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus fruits or honey, creating a comforting and aromatic beverage that warms both body and soul. You can find vin fiert in every market or even restaurant during the holiday season. Trust me, you will love the taste of it!
Regarding Christmas decorating customs in Romania, there is of course the-împodobitul bradului de Crăciun-Christmas tree decoration, which traditionally they do it on Christmas Eve, exactly right before the colindatorii-carollers come. Nowadays, families tend to decorate the tree way before the Christmas Eve in order for the children to enjoy it more. The Christmas tree holds a special place in Romanian homes (and hearts). All the family visits local markets to select a fresh pine, and it is brought home and set up in a prominent location, typically in the living room or in the center of the house. Many families love handcrafted ornaments, often made from corn husks or other natural materials. You will see angels, stars, and other symbolic figures representing folklore and tradition. The act of decorating the tree is a celebration of heritage and a time for families to bond.
In this category, there is the custom of Steaua ‘’The Star’’. It’s about a type of carol, in which is sang by children in the houses while showing a homemade star with tinsels and symbolizes the star that the wise men followed to reach baby Jesus. Also, ziua de Crăciun – the Christmas day is a significant one in Romania. It’s the time when families come together and mark the birth of Jesus Christ, enjoying various traditions. Along with serving the traditional dishes. They prepare beautiful gifts and put them under the Christmas tree. Also, for many Romanians, attending church services on Christmas Day is an integral part of the celebration. Here, hymns, prayers, and religious rituals take place. The essence of Christmas in Romania lies in the warmth of familial bonds and the shared joy of the holiday season. And, of course, the free days from work are very appreciated.
Romania is a wonderful country. And trust me, on Christmas it gets even more beautiful. In most of its places you will find snow and what better of snowy holidays! If you visit Romania during the holiday season, you will find a fairytale country, filled with unique traditions and warm people. The dishes and the wine will warm your body, and the friendly figures will warm your spirit too! So, wait no more and start learning Romanian!