Christmas Traditions In Romania

The winter holidays officially begin on December 20th with the feast of Ignat, which marks the traditional slaughtering of the pig. From this day until Christmas, the custom of going around with “the goat,” “țurca,” or “brezaia” starts—this involves wearing a mask with an animal head, symbolizing fertility for the crops and prosperity for the farm animals.

On the night of December 23rd to 24th, prior to Christmas Eve, certain regions prepare a special Christmas Eve meal in honor of the souls of the departed. This meal typically consists of fasting foods, and a priest is often invited to taste and bless the offerings. During this period, Christmas caroling begins, announcing the Nativity. According to tradition, God left carols on Earth to help cleanse our sins, and when the sound of carols fades, devils will emerge.

Carolers are rewarded with pretzels, apples, walnuts, and a specific cake known as “Christ’s swaddling clothes,” though nowadays, monetary gifts are also common. It is believed that even during the Christmas meal, listening to carols fosters harmony in relationships and brings abundance to homes and fields.

One of the oldest and most cherished traditions in Moldova is the preservation of light, a practice still observed by some villagers. The Christmas celebration is closely linked to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. On Christmas Eve, Moldovans light a bonfire with logs to extend the light for as long as possible.

In the villages of Maramureș, carolers take to the streets starting on Christmas Eve, receiving rewards such as walnuts, apples, traditional bread rings, or money. Young people visit homes with “The Star” or “The Goat,” performances that are common in many Romanian regions.

Carolers in Maramures. Source

Unique to Maramureș is the “Old Men’s Dance,” which is believed to have originated from masked ceremonies during wakes—an ancient ritual honoring the dead. After caroling all night, children and youths take their whips and roam the village streets, marking anyone they encounter. These carolers typically wear masks made from animal hides and knock on doors to scare residents while wishing them a prosperous year ahead.

Another important tradition in this region is “Viflaimul,” a folk play that reenacts the arrival of the Magi and shepherds heralding the birth of Jesus. About 20 to 30 young people participate, portraying biblical characters such as Mary, Joseph, Herod, the herald, innkeeper, angel, shepherds, the three Wise Men, soldiers, death, the devil, the old man, guards, and others, depending on the size of the group.

In this part of Romania, activities like sweeping, washing clothes, or lending items are avoided during Christmas. Those with animals and birds feed them generously and offer a piece of leavened dough, which is believed to protect them from illness. In some areas, fruit trees are tied with straw on Christmas Eve to ensure a fruitful year ahead. Superstitious villagers rub garlic on the horns and hips of cattle to ward off evil spirits. According to tradition, if cattle lie on their left side on Christmas Eve, it signals a long, harsh winter.

In Transylvania, the custom called “Butea Feciorilor” is still observed in villages along the Târnave River. Young men form groups to collect wine during the fasting days as they prepare for year-end festivities. These caroling groups adhere to strict rules, with each member assigned specific roles such as leader, assistant, judge, or herald. In this area, a carol over two millennia old, “The Emperor of Rome,” is still sung. It recounts the historical context of Jesus’ birth during the reign of Emperor Octavian Augustus and describes the arrival of the Magi bearing gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

In Limba village, Alba County, an old custom called “Pițăratul” is preserved. The name comes from “pițărău,” a type of bread roll given to children who go caroling. This roll is made from leftover dough used for bread or cakes.

The Goat, Suceava. Source

In Ilva Mare, Bistrița-Năsăud, young people dressed as a goat, soldier, bear, priest, gendarme, doctor, bride, and groom perform short skits at every house on Christmas Eve. Although these performances are not rooted in Christianity, the residents of Valea Ilvelor believe that households visited by these performers will prosper in the coming year, so they eagerly await and reward them.

In Săliște, Sibiu County, a cherished tradition dating back to 1895 continues to thrive. On Christmas Eve, groups of young men, clad in traditional costumes, visit every household, beginning with the mayor’s and the priest’s homes. They carol throughout the night, concluding their rounds at the “ceată,” where they sing for their host. On Christmas Day, at noon, they perform in the church after the service, captivating the entire village.

On the fourth day of Christmas, youth groups from Mărginime and the surrounding regions of Vâlcea and Argeș counties converge in Săliște for an annual reunion. This tradition, which has persisted since 1895 with only a ten-year interruption after World War II, features each group showcasing their traditional dances and messages. Together, they join in the “Hora Unirii” dance.

In the villages of Oltenia, the tradition of “stirring the fire” (scormonitul în foc) is observed on Christmas Eve. Family members gather around the fire, taking turns poking it with a stick while reciting a blessing.

Another age-old tradition, known as “Pițărăii,” dates back to the Dacian era and is practiced in the villages along the Jiu Valley. This ritual symbolizes a sacrifice to the divine as a show of gratitude for the fertility of the fields and trees. The Pițărăii, composed exclusively of boys or young men, organize into groups and don traditional folk costumes. On the night before Christmas Eve, they gather to adorn flags with bells, colorful scarves, tassels, and floral wreaths, which they attach to long poles several meters tall. The procession then sets out to carol through the village.

In northern Dobrogea, close to the Măcin Mountains, a character known as “Oleleul” appears among groups of young men. This figure, with pagan origins, enters the household by circling the group of carolers two or three times before taking his position as their guardian. His primary role is to ward off evil spirits. Dressed in a sheepskin coat and armed with a wooden mace and sword, the Oleleu’s costume is embellished with tinsel, bells, and cowbells, which he strikes against the ground to shield households from malevolent forces.