Romanian holidays. Good Friday declared public holiday in Romania
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In some Romanian areas, on Christmas Eve, farmers harvest. In Mehedinti county, parents put coins in their children's pockets to make the year profitable. In addition, on Christmas Eve, bread is placed under the table to bring good luck to the whole family, and wheat is scattered under the tablecloth. New Year's table for a bountiful crop harvest. In Romania it starts with Lent (since most Romanians are members of the Orthodox Church) which lasts six weeks (from November 15th to December 24th). Fasting means abstaining from meat, eggs and milk, or as our grandfathers would say, from sugary foods.
Fasting also means abstaining from physical love and alcohol. During the fast, people from the villages do not even listen to the radio, do not watch TV, do not have fun and do not attend any parties. Lent ends on Christmas Eve. On December 20th, people celebrate "Ignat's Day." On that day, they are not allowed to do any work except to cook pork. According to tradition, those who are poor and cannot afford pork (which is usually sacrificed and cooked in farmhouses) must sacrifice another animal.
In the old fashioned way, it is believed that on the night before Ignat, the pig dreams of a knife. The faint of heart and those who feel sorry for the pig are not allowed to participate in this ceremony. Grandparents usually make the sign of the cross on their grandchildren's foreheads to keep them healthy. Men and women begin to cook lard, sausages and other traditional dishes. And so the preparations for the Christmas banquet begin. Housewives choose meat for their delicious cabbage rolls, steaks, and store fat for baking cookies.
In the old days, children were given pretzels, nuts and apples. Today, they get money, candy and cookies. Both parents and children sing a Christmas song. On Christmas Eve, the buildings are beautifully decorated and put in order. The songs sing about the wishes of good health, prosperity, a bountiful harvest of grain crops and the fulfillment of all desires. This is the most widespread Romanian tradition.
In Transylvania, tables are laid in anticipation of these singers. They start their day at dawn and end at dusk. After they sing two or three songs in the courtyard of the house, they are invited inside where they are properly fed and fed with traditional treats and drinks. Christmas Eve is a good opportunity for Romanians to visit their friends, neighbors and relatives. In some parts of the country, there is a custom that symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. In the north of Moldova, the table on Christmas Eve is filled with various dishes and is not allowed to be removed until the priest comes to the house.
The priest blesses the feast, he is the first to taste the food and only after that, the rest are free to do the same. The slaughtering of a pig on the day of Ignat is simply a Romanian custom that was actually adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages. As always, there is a legend behind the custom. She says that a man named Ignat, while trying to kill a pig, accidentally killed his father by hitting him on the head with an axe.
In the Christmas traditions of a typical Romanian family, there is a lot of love, respect, poetry and fairy tales. Who wants to know the true Romanian spirit should come to a Romanian home, especially in winter. He will see Romanians bowing to the East, where the sun rises from, and how he makes the sign of the cross before eating, or before cutting bread, the traditional Romanian woman makes the sign of the cross three times. There are many, very beautiful customs and traditions that fall on the period of two great winter holidays: Christmas, that is, the birth of our Jesus, and New Year's Eve. Customs and traditions are characteristic of all places on the planet ...
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed a decree promulgating the Law amending paragraph 1 of Art. 139 of the Romanian Labor Code, according to Basilica.ro.
Thus Orthodox Romania joins the other 16 EU countries where Good Friday is a non-working day.
Friday of Holy Week is dedicated to the remembrance of the condemnation to death, suffering on the cross and the death of Jesus Christ, as well as the removal from the cross of His body and burial.
The law was adopted by the Chamber of Deputies at the end of February. The legislative proposal was submitted by the Democratic Union of Hungarians of Romania.
Thus, the Romanian Labor Code establishes the following days as official public holidays: 1 and 2 January; January 24 (Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities); Good Friday; the first and second Easter days; May 1, June 1 (Children's Day); the first and second days of Pentecost; August 15 (Assumption of the Virgin); November 30 (St. Andrew); December 1 (National Day of Romania); December 25 and 26 (first and second Christmas).
Romania does not have an official religion, however the vast majority of the population (87%) are Orthodox Christians.
Good Friday - day off
Good Friday is a day off in Protestant Sweden, Denmark and Finland, in Catholic Spain, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. In addition, it is a public holiday in the UK, Norway, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
In 2014, Cuba declared Good Friday a national holiday. The government issued a directive according to which this day will be a holiday every year. After years Cuba recognized Good Friday as a holiday in 2012 in response to a special request made by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the island nation that same year. In 2013, Good Friday was declared a non-working day, and state television resumed broadcasting the festive service from the cathedral in Havana. In 2014, the government made Good Friday a public holiday.
In Austria, Good Friday is a public holiday for members of Protestant churches, Catholics and the Evangelical Methodist Church. Non-religious people and representatives of other religious communities have to work on this day.
Good Friday is not a public holiday in Russia.
Good Friday in Christianity
In the Catholic Church, this is the only day of the year when the Eucharist is not celebrated. During the day, the service of the Way of the Cross takes place, during which the priest and parishioners bypass 14 "stands" located along the perimeter of each catholic church Latin rite. In the evening, a special service of the Passion of the Lord takes place, which must necessarily begin after three o'clock in the afternoon (the time of the Savior's death on the cross). All covers, candles and the cross are removed from the altar. Not used during service. musical instruments and the ringing of bells as a sign of mourning for the Savior who died on the cross.
In Lutheranism, on Good Friday, the pastor wears a black robe. On this day, the Eucharist is not celebrated, the organ is silent, sermons are not delivered, the sacrament of confession is not performed. Candles are not lit on the altar. The color of the pulpit covers, the altar and the altar fence is black. The service consists of the singing of spiritual songs, alternating with the reading of gospel fragments dedicated to the execution of Jesus Christ. The conciliar prayer is said, the Our Father is sung.
In the Orthodox Church, in remembrance of the saving Passion of Christ, a special divine service has been established, called "Following the Holy and Saving Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ." It takes place on Thursday evening. This service arose from the tradition of the Jerusalem Church, to make a procession to places in Jerusalem associated with the Passion of Jesus Christ. During the procession, stops were made during which the relevant passages from the Gospel were read.
Friday afternoon from the altars Orthodox churches they take out the Shroud and place it in the middle of the temple. During Good Friday and Great Saturday, believers venerate the Shroud.
It is celebrated all over the world, and many countries have their own traditions and customs associated with its celebration.
Since ancient times, the Church has ranked the day of the Nativity of Christ among the great holidays, according to the Gospel, which depicts this event as great and wonderful: “I proclaim to you,” says the angel to the shepherds of Bethlehem, “great joy that will be for all people: for now a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, Who is Christ the Lord; and here is a sign for you: you will find a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly, with an angel, a numerous heavenly army appeared, glorifying God and crying out: glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men!
An Orthodox xmas
Almost 180 million Orthodox people celebrate Christmas on the night of January 6-7 according to the new style. Among them are parishioners of the Jerusalem, Serbian, Bulgarian, Russian, part of the Greek Orthodox churches. Together with them - part of the Protestants and Catholics. Despite different nationalities, cultures and languages, they all greet each other on this day with one phrase - “Christ is born!”. Celebrate Christmas and Africa - in Ethiopia and Egypt. One of the most ancient Christian churches, the Coptic, is popular in these countries. At one time, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak even declared Christmas a public holiday.
The Orthodox Church on the greatness of the feast of the Nativity of Christ proclaims: “Your Christmas, Christ our God, exalt the world with the light of reason; in it, for those who serve the stars, I learn by the star to bow to you, the Sun of Truth, and lead you from the height of the east: Lord, glory to you. Within the fore-feast and after-feast, the feast of the Nativity of Christ lasts twelve days.
On the last day before the holiday, the eve of the Nativity of Christ (Christmas Eve) is celebrated, indicating the special importance of the upcoming celebration, since eve is only before the most important holidays. On the eve, the hours are read, called the royal ones, because from ancient times the kings were present at this divine service, worshiping the newborn King of kings.
The royal hours begin and take place at the open royal gates, in the midst of the temple, before the Gospel laid on the lectern, as if as a sign that now the Savior is no longer hidden, as once in the darkness of the den, but shines on all peoples. Before the Gospel, censer incense is burned, in remembrance of the incense and myrrh brought by the Magi to the newborn Christ. The very day of the Nativity of Christ in the flesh, as the most important and most solemn, in the liturgical books of the Orthodox Church is called "Easter, a three-day feast." On this day, according to the voice of the Church, “every kind of joy is filled. All the angels rejoice in heaven, and the people rejoice: the whole creation plays for the sake of the Savior of the Lord born in Bethlehem: like all flattery of idols, Christ reigns forever.
On the day of the Nativity of Christ, the Church begins and expresses its spiritual joy with consoling singing at Great Compline, which begins the All-Night Vigil: “God is with us! Understand, Gentiles, and submit, as God is with us. The great joy of the Church on the feast of the Nativity of Christ stems from the grateful remembrance of the condescension and unity of God with man, which is what is announced in the Gospel reading at Matins (Matt. 1:8-25). In ancient times, the vigil lasted all night. “From night to morning we glorify Thee, O philanthropist,” says Kozma Maiumsky in the canon for the Nativity of Christ. It was decided to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on the feast "a wound of labor for the sake of the vigilant." After the liturgy, the Church performs a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord God for the deliverance of the Church and the Russian state from the French invasion in 1812.
In accordance with the great joy brought to the world by the Nativity of the Savior, the Church from ancient times decided to celebrate Divine Liturgy on the day of the Nativity of Christ without kneeling, except for a prayer of thanksgiving for the deliverance of the Fatherland from enemies, to allow fasting, no matter what day of the week the holiday occurred, and all day church holiday accompanied by church bells. The solemn glorification of the Nativity of Christ after Divine services in churches is transferred to the dwellings of believers. Like the Angels who proclaimed great joy to the Bethlehem shepherds and sang praises to God, the clergy begin the glorification in the temple, on the eve of the feast, after the liturgy: “It was decided to burn the candlestick and set it in the middle of the church; and the faces stand together in the midst of the temple and sing exclamations: “Thy Nativity, Christ our God, exalt the world with the light of reason” and so on. Since ancient times, Orthodox Christians have celebrated the feast of the Nativity of Christ reverently, avoiding entertainment and amusements that violate the holiness of the holiday.
Many families set up Christmas trees for Christmas. This custom is based both on the words of the prophet Isaiah about the Savior: “And a branch will come from the root of Jesse, and a branch will grow from its root” (Is. 11, 1), and on the words of a church hymn in honor of the event of the Nativity of Christ: “Christ is a branch from the root of Jesse and its flower, you sprouted from a virgin. Decorating the branches of Christmas trees with lamps and sweets instructively shows that our nature, a barren and lifeless branch, only in Jesus Christ - the source of life, light and joy - can bring spiritual fruits: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, mercy, faith, meekness. , temperance (Gal. 5, 22-23).
In Bethlehem Christmas celebrations start long before sunset. In Palestine, there is a special attitude towards Christian holidays: often Muslim Arabs come to Bethlehem for Christmas to express their respect to Christians. And there are quite a lot of Christians among the Palestinians themselves. Celebrations on the Mount of Olives, where the Church of the Nativity of Christ is located, begin with music. Orchestras go around several blocks. The same melodies were performed by crusader knights here in the Middle Ages. The service in the temple is ruled by several priests in different languages at once. Several tens of thousands of people gather around the temple.
Austria
The approach of Christmas in Austria is very noticeable. Approximately four weeks before Christmas, Advent begins in Austria - the period of the Advent fast and anticipation of the celebration of Christmas. At this time, a special wreath is decorated in houses, on which four candles are placed. On the first Sunday of Advent, one candle is lit, on the second two, on the third Sunday three candles are already lit, and on the eve of Christmas, on last sunday Advent, all four candles are lit.
At the same time, Christmas markets begin to operate throughout the country. The tradition of their dispensation originates in the Middle Ages. The Vienna Fair is the oldest in the German-speaking countries. In the Christmas markets, you can see lovingly decorated stalls lining the streets selling Christmas sweets in the form of biscuits delicately executed in the Austrian style, candy canes, hot wine with a spicy bouquet and mouth-wateringly fragrant roasted chestnuts filling the fresh winter air.
Shops on Saturdays during the entire Advent are open longer than usual - so that everyone has time to buy gifts for relatives and friends. At Christmas, Vienna and Austria are quiet, because this is a purely family holiday. As a rule, the Austrians gather all relatives for the holidays. At Christmas, it is customary to give chocolate and pastries. Viennese people often send gifts to acquaintances and business partners by mail.
Christmas carp and spicy pastries are traditional on the table this evening: vanilla “horseshoes”, Viennese flyers, cinnamon stars, marzipan “stollen” and the famous Viennese apple strudel. Small biscuits and walnuts wrapped in gold foil decorate the Christmas tree, although, of course, every family has its own traditions. A festive atmosphere and a feeling of home comfort reigns all around, evoking vivid associations with the magical world of Hoffmann and Andersen.
England
In England, Christmas is a real family holiday. On this day, everyone gathers in the parental home, give each other gifts, eat, drink and look at their family photos. The traditional dish is turkey with gooseberry sauce and pudding. And they drink only tea or brandy on this day.
The decoration of the English Christmas table is a festive cake. According to an old custom, it is stuffed with various items that predict the fate of the next year to the one in whose piece this item will be. The British believe that a ring means a quick wedding, a coin means future wealth, and a horseshoe means good luck in the new year. In addition, according to custom, on Christmas Eve, a young man and a girl, being together under a branch of mistletoe, were supposed to kiss.
It is customary in the UK to decorate a house with branches of holly, symbolizing prosperity, and mistletoe, which means hospitality and fertility.
Argentina
Christmas in Argentina is a very homely, family holiday. As a rule, all family members gather at someone's house, sit down to eat at 10 o'clock in the evening, grandfathers tell all sorts of stories, women gossip about their own, etc. At 12 midnight, cider or pop is solemnly opened (champagne in rare cases), young people go out to blow up firecrackers or shoot from a gun at neglected small balloons. Some go to church for worship, but only "some". On the 24th they usually work half a day, and on the 25th all shops, kiosks, clubs, bars, restaurants are closed. On the Christmas table - traditionally ensalada rusa(a similarity to the Russian Olivier, which the Argentines are proud of), ensalada de lechuga y tomate(lettuce with tomatoes), Argentine asado or marinated chicken.
Armenia
Until the 5th century christian churches celebrated the feast of the Nativity of Christ and Epiphany on January 6th. In the future, some churches began to celebrate Christmas on December 25, so that people would forget what happened on this day. pagan holiday. The Armenian Gregorian Church has remained faithful to the old order and celebrates the birthday of Christ on January 6th. On this day, the Armenian Church also celebrates the day of the Baptism of Christ. On the eve of the Christmas holiday, in the evening, a liturgy called the Liturgy of Christmas Eve is served. On this day, believers light a candle in the church and carry it home to illuminate the house and prepare for the feast of the Nativity of Christ. The next day, January 6, the Christmas Liturgy is served in the morning. Then they celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord with the ceremony of consecrating water. Traditionally, on this day in Armenian families, rice pilaf with raisins, fish and red wine are served on the table. The next day, everyone gets up late and doesn't change their pajamas until noon. Until the evening they eat the remains of a Christmas dinner, and in the evening they serve a smoked leg of lamb.
On Christmas night, at the entrances to the small town of Etchmiadzin, you can see traffic jams that are rare for Armenia. From all over the country, believers annually come here to defend the vigil in the cathedral. This is the oldest Armenian temple. It is over 1700 years old, and during all this time the canons of holding the Christmas Liturgy in the cathedral have not changed. After the solemn entrance to the temple of the Catholicos (head) Armenian church Garegin II, the gospel of the 5th century is brought to the pulpit. For Armenians, this particular church folio is also valuable because it put an end to services according to the Greek model.
In Flanders (province Belgium) "command" the Christmas parade of the Three Wise Men. For these roles, men are chosen who have proven themselves in the ability to ... eat and drink a lot. Dressed in colorful costumes, they sing Christmas songs in the streets. And in the houses where they are invited to the light, the Magi must eat and drink as much as possible.
Bulgaria
Here Christmas is called Koleda. A kind grandfather who brings gifts is called "Uncle Koleda". It arrives after midnight on Christmas Eve from 24 to 25 December. Together with him, after midnight, the folk custom “koleduvane” is also held - groups of young men walk (it is allowed to include boys over 12 years old in the group) in a festive national clothes who sing "song songs". They wish every home health, prosperity, fertility. The hostesses give them nuts, prunes, dried apples, lard, feta cheese, specially baked pretzels (“colledi kolacheta”). Koleda is always celebrated exclusively in a narrow family circle; it is believed that on this night there should not be lonely people and everyone tries, no matter how far they are, to go to their relatives and prepare at least a small gift for everyone.
Germany
According to an old tradition, on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 a.m., the Christmas season begins in Germany, called the “fifth season”. Grandiose fairs are held on the ancient squares of cities, where thousands of people gather. People hug, drink hot mulled wine, eat, dance and sing. At the same time, children begin to open sweet Advent calendars (they are designed for 24 days, and a candy is hidden in the calendar window every day).
In Germany, it is customary to give a "Christmas star". A hundred years ago, this plant was brought from Mexico, in Russia it is called spurge. At proper care at Christmas, a bright red or pink corolla resembling a star flaunts on a green bush. They also give clover in a pot - a sign that happiness will surely smile at a person. In Catholic regions, especially in Bavaria, during the days of Christmas time, processions of mummers pass through the streets, many of them have a frightening appearance: their faces are smeared with soot or hidden under terrible horned masks.
Another favorite day for children is St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. Before going to bed, kids polish their shoes to a shine and leave one of them (usually the largest one) on the threshold of their bedroom or apartment. If the kids have been good all year, they'll have candy in their shoes. If not, then dry branches.
In anticipation of Christmas, there are parties at work, school Christmas concerts, holiday fairs. One of the brightest and most famous Christmas markets takes place in Nuremberg. According to legend, it was here on Christmas Eve 1626 that a resident gave her friend a jewelry box painted with snowflakes, spruce wreaths and dwarves, which was bought in the market square of the Old City. And for many years now, the Christmas market on the square has been opened by a golden-winged guardian angel, in the role of a local girl aged 16 to 19, at least 160 centimeters tall.
Heilige Abend is the most important day of the Christmas holidays. On the morning of this day, a Christmas tree is brought into the house and decorated. wooden toys, Candles And Glass Balls. But the children are not shown it until they return from church. But immediately upon returning from there, the children run to the Christmas tree and begin to unwrap their gifts. After that, the whole family sits down at the table. Traditional dishes at the Christmas table are vegetable soup, boiled carp with cream sauce, buttered potatoes, baked apple stuffed with vanilla sauce.
On December 25, the celebrations continue, often at the grandparents' house. Christmas dinner is very hearty, usually roast duck or goose is served. Relatives again exchange gifts, walk together, drink tea with Christmas cookies in the evening. On this day, grandiose feasts are held, at which, as a rule, a roast goose is served for lunch.
Greece
Greece is an Orthodox country, but celebrates Christmas along with the Western world on December 25 (although there are believers in Greece who continue to follow the old style and celebrate the holiday at the same time as the Russian Orthodox Church). Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays in Greece. It is celebrated in every home in the family circle. The Christmas tree is dressed up, the festive table is decorated with various fruits that the earth gives birth to: fruits, nuts, figs, raisins, etc. And the main place on the table is given to the baked turkey.
A rich festive table is an indispensable attribute of the holiday. In the houses of the Greeks nice smell from oven-baked Christmas turkeys. Children and adults look with lust at sweet kurabye biscuits with almonds prepared in advance and melomakaroni - honey biscuits. Everyone is waiting for gifts. Here, clothes, books, household items, just money in envelopes, and, of course, toys for children are usually given here.
Denmark
Preparations for Christmas begin two months in advance - on the first Friday of November; on this day, the first sweetish and dark Christmas beer of the year is released. From that day on, shops are filled with Christmas paraphernalia, a persistent smell of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom appears in pastry shops, the streets smell of roasted almonds, open markets appear fluffy Christmas trees, pines and cypresses.
Garlands, red hearts made of paper and silk, and straw goats appear on the streets and squares. On the main city square near the town hall, a central spruce is placed, and under it is a large glass box where money is thrown for poor children from other countries. The Danes bake a loaf in the shape of a wild boar for Christmas, which they call the "Christmas boar". The grain from the last sheaf is often used to bake this “boar”. The loaf stands on the table throughout Christmas, and is often kept until the start of spring sowing. At the beginning of the Christmas week, it is customary to light a thick candle with divisions. Every day it is burned to a certain division.
These days, the Danes try to meet all their acquaintances, friends and relatives, for whom there was not enough time all year. Friends often get together to play the traditional Christmas game, fireworks. The game is accompanied by eating the special Christmas Ebleskiver donuts and drinking hot spicy glög. The game consists in the fact that each participant brings 1-3 cheap gifts, packed in such a way that it is impossible to guess what is inside. Gifts are laid out in the center of the table, an alarm clock starts and everyone takes turns throwing dice (2 dice). If the six fell out, then you can take a gift and roll the dice again. If 2 identical dice fell out, then the direction in which the dice are transferred changes. The most interesting begins when the gifts end, because. now they can be taken away from others. Passions flare up, fueled by gleg. The game continues until the alarm goes off, and as the game progresses, someone loses all their presents.
Another common version of the pre-Christmas party is the so-called Christmas herring table (yulesild board). This is a more serious event, with an abundance of all kinds of cold and sometimes hot snacks, and the degree of drinks is also higher.
Christmas for the Danes is a celebration of the soul, not the body, despite the plentiful Christmas meal. Many Christian Christmas customs came to Denmark from Germany and England, although the roots of these traditions go back to the Vikings. One such Christian tradition is Christmas candles, symbolizing the Christmas star. On Christmas night, 2 large candles are lit on the table, and one on the windowsill, as a guiding star for lonely travelers.
But decorating the Christmas tree is a fairly young tradition, brought to Denmark from Germany. From there, the roots of the Christmas grandfather (Santa Claus), who in Denmark acquired nisse's little helpers - Christmas elves. Although they are not exactly elves, but rather brownies living in the attic. At Christmas, it is customary to put out a bowl of sweet rice porridge to enlist the support of the brownie for the next year. If by morning the bowl is cleanly licked, it means that the nisse has accepted the offering, and there will be a return gift in the shoe. Giving gifts at Christmas is also a relatively new tradition. Previously, only sweets were given to children, sometimes to servants.
Iceland
Christmas comes early in Iceland. Already on December 12, children's shoes are placed on the windowsill in anticipation of gifts. Icelandic children are lucky - not only Santa Claus will bring gifts, but as many as thirteen Christmas creatures, half-humans - half-trolls, every night they will bring something for two weeks. True, only good children will be lucky, the rest in shoes will find only potatoes. And the most unbearable will be visited by the terrible cat Grila - a troll with three eyes, warts and protruding teeth. She, as the legend says, is not averse to having a bite to eat with a naughty baby!
On Christmas Eve, ptarmigan is a traditional Icelandic Christmas dish. It is noteworthy that this bird is a bad flyer, it mostly runs, and therefore even poor people who did not have a gun could afford such a dish - they could just catch up and catch their future Christmas dinner.
The difference between a poor table and a rich one was symbolized by the accompaniment to partridge - leafy bread. Grain is imported to Iceland, and bread was a luxury. Since every family wanted to treat guests with bread for Christmas, the dough was rolled out as thinly as possible. It was so thin that one could read the Bible through a sheet of such bread. Also, because it was so thin, it was folded into various shapes. Each family has its own traditions, its own motive: a Christmas tree, a snowflake, a candle.
On the night before Christmas, all television programs are stopped, and a church mass is broadcast on the radio. After returning from church, families sit down at the table. Partridge is usually washed down with red wine, but sometimes with champagne. For dessert, a simple rice pudding with one almond hidden in it. It is eaten until someone finds the hidden nut, and the lucky person is given a gift.
Spain
A very fun holiday is celebrated in this country. The central streets of Madrid, Barcelona and other cities on December 25 are packed to overflowing with people who dress up in national costumes and sing songs. Before the start of the Christmas mass, it is customary to gather at the main entrance to the temple and dance, holding hands. Church, in spite of everything, is visited by almost everyone, but usually they come there for a short time. Most of the time is spent in the company of friends and relatives at the festive table of their favorite restaurant.
From the beginning of December, every Spaniard considers it obligatory to make a gift "to his liking", to guess the taste and disposition of the person to whom he is going to make a present. This is an old tradition, really planted for centuries - the "spirit of giving." Therefore, fairs and bazaars are noisy throughout the camp. Not only ordinary citizens want to do something good. Entire institutions, for example, the state, do not lag behind them. So, in gambling Spain, on December 23-24, a Christmas lottery is held. El Gordo, in intensity of passion comparable to bullfighting. Known since 1818, when the first prize was 50,000 pesetas and 17,000 tickets were sold, it has survived to this day, when in 2002 a record amount of 1.7 billion € was at stake. In 1996, about 30 million people bought the treasured tickets. It is estimated that the "average" Spaniard spent 6,000 pesetas (about $50) on them, and in Madrid - even more - about 8,000. In inflamed dreams, everyone hopes for a miracle. There was reason to worry - then, in 1996, $ 1.3 billion was at stake. True, in 2003 the jackpot amount fell sharply to 300 million €.
For the Spaniards, the main day of Christmas is January 6, the feast of the Three Wise Men, and the main dish is nuts with honey. Another cake is baked, which starts with small gifts. Different regions of Spain have their own Christmas menu. In the south, it is a turkey, traditional for many peoples, in the central regions, a piglet or a lamb, and in the north, an eel. On this day, kids find cherished gifts in their socks or shoes. They rely only on obedient children, while the disobedient get pieces of coal. True, in recent years, confectioners have been making sweets in the form of coal, so that the kids do not feel left out.
Italy
Christmas and New Year are among the most "delicious" Italian holidays. Traditionally, on these holidays, the family gathers not only to exchange gifts, but also to remember how fun it is at the family table. A typical holiday menu in almost all areas of Italy includes traditional dishes. In the Christmas menu, these are dumplings in broth, stuffed meat, sweet buns or Milanese cake, and in the New Year - zampone, pork sausage and lentils.
Many Italians still, according to an old tradition, throw old things out of the windows, parting with all the troubles that brought old year. But they eat fried cod or perch, wash it all down with white wine.
Another tradition is New Year's markets. They are very popular in those areas of Italy where the influence of northern European culture is felt. What is there in these markets! Handicrafts - wooden figurines, candles of all shapes and colors, sweets, dried flower wreaths, ribbons, new Year decoration for the home and adorable Christmas balls - these can cost a fortune. Starting at the end of November, trading stops only on Christmas Eve, and the bazaars attract crowds of people - locals arrange meetings there, and tourists are drawn to gawk at curiosities.
China
In China, they decorate not a Christmas tree, but the so-called "trees of light", which are decorated with lanterns and flowers.
Latvia
Latvians believe that Santa Claus gives gifts on each of the 12 days starting from Christmas Eve. Usually gifts are placed under the festive tree. Latvia was one of the first countries to start decorating the Christmas tree. At Christmas in Latvia, brown peas with bacon sauce, small pies, cabbage and sausages are considered traditional dishes.
Nigeria
Christmas Eve is the only day when the little inhabitants of this country can ask for food in any house.
New Zealand
Christmas in New Zealand begins with presents on Christmas morning. Everyone gathers for Christmas lunch at home or at their parents'. Turkey or chicken with decorations, then "tea time". This time for friends and family is an excuse to get together and have a few glasses of beer or wine.
Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve and its first day are considered family holiday. It is customary to gather on Christmas Eve at the house of parents or in the circle of one's family. The tree is being decorated for this day. For dinner, fish dishes are always prepared, all other food is also lean. At Christmas, children receive gifts from St. Nicholas.
In Poland, Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. On Christmas Eve, the whole family gathers together at the Christmas table, and the next day, on December 25 and 26, they invite their close friends to a festive lunch or dinner. Christmas Eve for a Pole is a night of magic, when the most unusual things happen. For example, animals begin to speak human language. There are special Christmas traditions that have survived centuries: an extra plate on the Christmas table for Jesus Christ himself or an unexpected guest, or the number of dishes that should be on the Christmas table (at least 12), or several bundles of hay under the Christmas table (in memory of the Bethlehem cave ).
Preparations for Christmas begin early in the morning on December 24 - festive food is prepared, a big cleaning is carried out. The family decorates the Christmas tree, wraps gifts for each family member and guest who will be present at the holiday. On Christmas Eve they do not drink alcohol and do not eat meat.
It is believed that this evening no one should feel forgotten, so acquaintances of single people are invited to a family dinner.
Christmas in Poland is celebrated on December 25th. Before Christmas, there is a fast called Advent and lasts until Holy Supper. In Poland, the holy supper is called vigilia. A shopka (a wooden house with a straw roof) is placed in the church. A crib is made in it, in which the newborn Jesus will lie. Near the shops there is a ladder, along which a figurine of little Jesus is lowered day after day. On December 24, the figurine is placed in a manger.
During fasting days, services are held in the church, the so-called rorats. It is very interesting to watch how two rows of boys stand with flashlights that glow. After the service, the children approach the priest (priest). There is a tray on the table, on which there are pieces of paper, and on them are written the names of the boys who took part in the service. It's like a draw: two boys who take out pieces of paper with their names will receive figurines of Mary and Joseph. At home, they will pray in front of these figurines, and the next day they will bring them to the church, so that after the service the next two boys will also receive figurines for prayer. Christmas trees are put up in the church, decorated with Christmas tree pears and garlands. The church itself is very beautifully cleaned, during the service the organ sounds.
Before Christmas, December 24, in the morning, the Poles are preparing for the holy evening - vigil. On the festive table, there should be 12 lenten dishes, among which there must be kutya, which is prepared from crushed wheat (now you can buy ready-made wheat in stores). It is seasoned with honey, nuts, raisins. One of the traditional dishes in the country is "borscht with ears" - a sour beetroot broth, with which they eat "ushki" - small dumplings stuffed with mushroom or cabbage. There should also be fish on the Christmas table, be sure to carp (fried, carp aspic, stuffed). Also on the table put herring, decorated with onion rings and herbs. Dumplings are made from potatoes, cabbage. Beans are also served. For dessert - dried fruit compote, donuts. These are the so-called vigilian, Lenten dishes. At the same time, dishes are being prepared for Christmas. This includes jelly, and all kinds of salads, traditional flyachki (a dish made from cow stomachs), cabbage rolls. These dishes can only be consumed after 24 hours, that is, when Christmas comes. But on Christmas Day, dinner with the family already with wine and meat dishes.
An important tradition at Christmas in Poland is the service (pastorka), which is held on the night before Christmas, that is, after 24 hours. Everyone gathers in the church to be together on this holy night and feel God's presence. Then the carols sound and everyone goes home to gather again in the morning for the service, to hear the carols again, the organ and congratulations on the Nativity of Christ from their priest.
After the service, the family gathers at the table for a festive breakfast, and then, during the day, relatives and friends visit each other. You can also see nativity scenes walking through the streets (these are children who show a theatrical performance about Christmas). They are invited to houses, watch the performance, treat them with sweets and sweets.
When the first star appears in the sky, everyone gathers at the festive table. The table is necessarily covered with a white tablecloth to show that those sitting at the table have pure thoughts. A candle is lit on the table, and festive dishes purchased specifically for this holiday are placed on the tablecloth. Gifts for family members are placed under the Christmas tree (Poles have a tradition of exchanging gifts at Christmas). In silence, a prayer sounds, after which the eldest in the family breaks the payment (wafer, a thin plate of baked dough, which is bought in churches). It depicts Christmas. Family members exchange pieces of payment, wish each other health and happiness, and ask for forgiveness for the offenses they have caused. This is the most important moment during the holy supper. After the exchange of wishes, everyone sits down at the table, have dinner, sing carols (Christmas songs). After the festive dinner, the family exchanges gifts, guests arrive with their payments. Guests and hosts exchange payments and wishes.
Throughout the Christmas week, Poles visit each other, drink tea with a variety of pastries, watch children's performances, some visit the poor and sick.
Russia
Christmas Eve was called "Christmas Eve", and the word comes from the ritual food eaten on this day - sochiva. This is a ritual dish, which was necessarily prepared for this evening. Food on Christmas Eve could not be taken until the first star, in memory of the Star of Bethlehem, which announced to the Magi and the Nativity of the Savior. And with the onset of twilight, when the first star lit up, they sat down at the table and shared the hosts, wishing each other all the best and bright.
The Christmas eve meal was held in silence. They ate lean kutya - juicy, baked fish, preferably cooked whole, and thick compote - boiled. In ancient times, sochivo was a lean porridge made from red wheat, barley, rye, buckwheat, peas or lentils, seasoned with hemp, poppy or almond juice - milk. Later, they began to cook it from rice and with the addition of honey, chopped nuts, and sometimes raisins. Such porridge was high enough in calories to last until the start of Christmas.
But already the Christmas table in Russia was not just a festive table - it was and remains in many families the richest, plentiful and pickled: pancakes, fish dishes, aspic, from pork and beef legs, suckling pig stuffed with porridge, pork head with horseradish, homemade pork sausage, roast, honey gingerbread, sbiten and, of course, roast goose. The best food was in store for Christmas. Since ancient times, it has been customary that the abundance and variety of dishes on the Christmas table - for a successful and generous year.
Christmas time begins with Christmas - solid holidays that last until Epiphany Christmas Eve and are accompanied by festivities, visits to relatives and friends, and masquerades. In the old days it was customary to carol:
The sparrow is flying
twirls its tail,
And you people know
Cover the tables
Receive guests
Meet Christmas!
From time immemorial, it has been customary in Russia to dress up at Christmas time, arrange fun games, go home, wake up the sleeping, congratulate everyone you meet on the turn of the sun for the summer, and later, after the adoption of Christianity, Merry Christmas, joke, sing songs. The carols ended with general fun, rollercoaster rides, and a common feast.
Christmas divination is varied and numerous. Girls were engaged in them, sometimes under the guidance of older women. And they were interested, first of all, whether they would get married next year or remain "in girls", whether they would be rich or poor, in general, whether they would live or die. Therefore, a lot of fortune-telling is associated with the search for a betrothed.
In Russia, Christmas has always been associated with many traditions and customs, but after 1917 they were almost forgotten. The celebration of Christmas was then forbidden, and only the celebration of the New Year remained. However, in recent years an Orthodox xmas in Russia it is celebrated quite widely, and more and more people understand the meaning of this holiday. Since 1991, by decree of the President of Russia, Christmas is again an official holiday for all peoples of the Russian Federation.
Romania
Transylvanians eat stuffed cabbage on Christmas Eve and the next day. Some people like to eat the traditional dish on the second or third day after it has been prepared. They prepare dinner in advance so that there is time to decorate the house and organize dinner. On December 25, the whole family attends church and then eats traditional meals for lunch.
Serbia
The celebration of the Nativity of Christ in Serbia, like nowhere else in the world, has preserved traditions and customs dating back to ancient times.
On Christmas Eve, early in the morning, oak branches with preserved yellow leaves are plucked in the forest and a bunch of straw is added to them (or they buy a ready-made Christmas bouquet on the market, which is called “badnyak”). On the evening before Christmas, the owner of the house or an honored guest solemnly brings badnyak into the rooms where the guests have gathered. With the words "Christ be born" (Christ was born), he wishes all household members the fulfillment of all desires. The mistress of the house replies to this “Vistinu be born” (truly born) and sprinkles it with grains of wheat. The owner scatters straw on the floor and under the table where the Christmas treat is prepared. At the same time, the owner cackles with a chicken, the children answer him like chickens, and the hostess puts in all four corners of the room walnut. Then the owner sets fire to an oak twig from a candle flame and, when the twig flares up with many sparks, proclaims: “How many sparks - so much happiness, money, prosperity, health and fun in the house.” In the morning, the hostess bakes an unleavened holiday cake (chesnitsa) with cuts in the form of a cross at the top, into which she bakes a coin. After the prayer, the guests and household members proceed to dinner, which is plentiful on the occasion of the great holiday. The hostess divides the garlic into parts, and the person who gets a piece with a coin will be lucky in the New Year. The holiday continues all day long.
After the services, the Serbs do not disperse. They make fires near churches. Everyone should burn their badnyak in the Christmas fire. They represent the branches collected by the Bethlehem shepherds to warm the newborn Jesus in the cave. Serbs firmly believe that together with oak brushwood, all their problems and illnesses disappear in the fire.
The United States is a multiethnic country, so you can see different ways of celebrating Christmas. Some cook the traditional stuffed turkey. Others prefer sausages, cabbage dishes, soups. Italians cook lasagna for Christmas. Children receive gifts in the morning. They are told that he came at night, he went down the chimney and brought gifts. On Christmas morning, cinnamon roll and coffee are traditionally served for breakfast, and ham for lunch.
Americans are the nation that almost receives and gives the most gifts on this holiday. They are put under the Christmas tree throughout the holiday week, and on Christmas night, children also receive surprises from Santa Claus. The kid leaves various treats for him under the tree, in case the grandfather is hungry. In small towns in America, it is customary to visit each other and sing Christmas songs together.
In the US, any institution, whether it be a bank, a store or a company, is closed. Everyone rests and most often watches The Nutcracker and Little Red Riding Hood on TV.
Western Ukraine
Christmas in Western Ukraine is associated with centuries-old traditions. Fasting lasts from November 28 to January 7 (at this time people refuse all entertainment and meat dishes). Children learn carols (Christmas songs) so that later they can carol under the windows of houses and glorify the birth of Jesus.
The evening before Christmas is called Holy Evening. In the morning, dishes are prepared in the houses for a festive dinner (supper). In every house they decorate a Christmas tree, decorate it with toys and garlands. Near it is a sheaf of unthreshed grain of wheat, the so-called didukh. Ancestors believed that the spirits of grandfathers, great-grandfathers, patrons of the house, reside in it. The Holy Supper (dinner) consists of 12 traditional dishes (12 months of the year, 12 apostles of Christ), which are placed on a table covered with a white tablecloth. In some regions of Western Ukraine, some hay is placed under the tablecloth (a part of the nursery in which God was born). One of the main dishes is kutya - the main ritual food. It is made from crushed wheat (now you can buy such wheat in the store). It is seasoned with honey, nuts, raisins. In addition, be sure to have on the table borscht with ears (small dumplings with mushrooms), herring, cabbage rolls from grated potatoes, mushroom sauce, peas, beans, uzvar (dried fruit compote), pampukhi (donuts), dumplings with various fillings (potatoes , cabbage). When dumplings are cooked, you can put a few coins in them (it is believed that whoever gets a dumpling with a coin will be happy all year long) All dishes should be lean (cooked in vegetable oil). At the same time, dishes are also prepared for Christmas: cabbage rolls with meat, meat and fish aspic, various salads, etc.
As soon as the first star lights up in the sky, everyone gathers for a festive dinner. If the family lives in a private house where there are animals, then before the Holy Supper (dinner), the owner takes out a kutya and treats all the animals that are on the farm. There is a belief that at Christmas the animals talk to each other. The owner enters the house, a prayer is said, and everyone sits down at the table. A candle is lit on the table. There is also such a belief: if the candle burns evenly, then all those present at the table will be alive and well this year. Another tradition for Christmas in Western Ukraine: Holy Supper (dinner) is a family holiday, but they put a plate on the table for the guest, if one appears. A plate with kutya is placed on the window for the dead, so that they know that they are remembered. The eldest in the family (grandfather, grandmother or father, mother) baptizes kutya three times, after which he wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, and everyone starts to have dinner. In some families, the tradition of eating from one plate has been preserved, but now it is a rarity. Kutya is followed by all the dishes that are on the festive table.
After the supper (dinner), carols (Christmas songs) are heard. The dishes are not removed from the table so that the spirits can come and have dinner. The night before Christmas is a holy night, so the lights stay on until morning. In some areas in Western Ukraine, on the night before Christmas, and in others, carolers or nativity scenes (boys or even guys dressed as angels, devil, warriors, death) come only at Christmas. They carry with them a silver star, bells, a shopka (a small house made of wood and covered with straw), in which little Jesus sleeps in a manger. The carol-makers put on a play about the birth of Christ, carols are heard, after which the owners are congratulated on Christmas, they wish happiness and health in the New Year.
Nobody sleeps the night before Christmas. In the morning, everyone gathers in the church, where, after serving, they sing carols for a long time. After the service, they go home and wait for guests or go to visit relatives and friends themselves. In towns and villages on Christmas in Western Ukraine, a platform is set up in front of the church, on which performances are staged about the birth of Jesus Christ (nativity scene). The Christmas holiday in Western Ukraine is a favorite holiday that is expected and loved because of the festively decorated Christmas tree, the opportunity to carol, see nativity scenes.
Finland
Preparations for the main holiday of the year - Christmas - the Finns begin in advance - gifts are bought for friends and relatives, general cleaning is carried out, the house is decorated. Christmas days in Finland begin on the first of the five Sundays preceding Christmas - New Year's decorations appear in shops, on the streets, in public places, Christmas concerts begin to be held.
Finns celebrate the so-called "little Christmas" - this tradition appeared in the 20s of the last century, when women's organizations organized Christmas markets, for which they made various decorations, gathering together on December evenings. Such “handmade” gatherings are considered to be the first Christmas holidays. "Little Christmas" is often celebrated as a festive corporate dinner in a restaurant - with solemn speeches, musical performances, "amateur performances" prepared by the company's employees. Oddly enough, wives and husbands are usually not invited to such holidays.
On the eve of Christmas Eve, a Christmas tree is set up and decorated at home, candles are lit on it. According to tradition, a couple of sheaves of oats for birds are put out on the street. On Christmas Eve, the whole family gathers together, no matter how far its members live from each other. On this day people visit cemeteries and light candles on the graves of relatives and friends. Some families at sunset, by 5 pm, go to church, the rest prefer to watch the service on TV.
One of the indispensable and "very Finnish" Christmas customs is the evening sauna, after which the whole family sits down at the table. Christmas dinner is very plentiful. The obligatory treat is a vinaigrette with herring instead of cucumbers, a carrot casserole and a huge piece of pork baked in the oven. Mulled wine is served at the festive table. Children are congratulated by Santa Claus - Joulupukki(disguised relative or neighbor), children sing songs and dance, receive gifts from him. After that important event the most delicious treats appear on the table.
In the old days, it was customary to go sledding on this day. Christmas was not conceived without a straw-covered floor. Before spreading the straw, they threw it in handfuls up into the ceiling, wondering about the future harvest. Straw was spread under the tablecloth of the Christmas table, the ritual dishes of the festive meal were placed on the floor covered with straw, and they slept on the straw on Christmas night.
Christmas in Finland is quiet and calm, with family, in church. But the next day mass festivities begin, friends gather in a restaurant or at someone's house.
In some parts of France, the Christmas holidays begin on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day. It was on this day that the French Santa Claus - Pere Noel (Pere Noel)- brings good and diligent children gifts and sweets. Wearing wooden shoes and with a basket of gifts on his back, he arrives on a donkey and, leaving the animal outside, enters through the chimney into the house. He puts gifts in shoes (sabo), which children leave in advance in front of the fireplace. Per Noel's companion is Per Fuetard, a grandfather with rods, who reminds Per Noel how the child behaved during the year and what he deserves more - gifts or spanking. In some provinces, Per Noël brings small gifts on December 6th and returns again at Christmas with big ones. Petya Noel can also bring gifts (Le Petit Noel)- Baby Jesus.
On Christmas Eve, after midnight mass, people gather in their homes or restaurants (which are open all night) for a gala dinner called reveillon. (reveillon). Reveillon means awakening, the coming of the day. This is a symbolic spiritual awakening of a person due to the realization of the significance of the birth of Christ.
Smoked ham, game, salads, pastries, fruits, sweets and wine are served everywhere. But the menu differs depending on regional culinary traditions. In the north-east of France, goose is often the main dish, in Burgundy - turkey with chestnuts. In Brittany, buckwheat tortillas with sour cream are traditionally served, while Parisians prefer oysters, lobsters, foie gras (often cooked as a Christmas log) and champagne. In Provence, 13 desserts are served for reveillon - this is an old custom, symbolizing Christ and the 12 apostles. The most famous and must-have dessert is the Bouches de Noel (log-shaped) Christmas cake.
Starting from the 12th century, a tradition appeared in France on Christmas Eve to make a Christmas log with the whole family in the courtyard of a house from fresh wood (usually cherry wood) - Bouches de Noel (Buche de Noel). With certain ceremonies, he was solemnly brought into the house. The head of the family poured oil and warmed wine over it, and the whole family said prayers. The little girls would set fire to the log using wood chips left over from the previous year's log (according to legend, the ash and wood chips left over from burning the Christmas log kept the house from lightning and the tricks of the devil for a year; therefore, they were carefully collected and stored). It was considered important that everyone involved in the process of lighting a new log had clean hands. Gradually, the tradition of burning Bouches de Noel died out, although today it is still adhered to in houses with fireplaces. But most French people decorate their table with a small Bouches de Noel and decorate some of the dishes in the form of a Christmas log. So these days Bouches de Noel is a festive chocolate roll decorated with sugar figures and leaves.
The Christmas tree has never been particularly popular in France. The French simply hang a branch of mistletoe above the door of the house, believing that it will bring good luck next year. In addition, the French place flowers throughout the house - in bouquets, one at a time, be sure to put flowers on the table. Crash is also an element of decoration. (creche)- Christmas manger - a layout depicting the scene of the birth of Christ. Usually the layout is filled with human figures - figurines of saints - santons (santons). Previously, French artisans made these figurines throughout the year; and in addition to the holy family, shepherds and Mary, they often created figurines of local dignitaries. The figurines were bright and colorful, immediately eye-catching, and their molds were passed down from generation to generation. The figurines were sold throughout December at the annual Christmas markets in Marseille and Aix. They are still sold in exactly the same way today.
From January 1 to January 6, "Feasts of Fools" are held. In the Middle Ages, the townspeople expressed their dissatisfaction with the church in this way: they played satirical skits and staged carnival processions. In towns and villages, the most stupid, by all accounts, resident received the title of "Lord of Disorder" and was the head of the Christmas entertainment. His orders were binding on everyone.
January 6 - the end of the Christmas season, the last holiday. It is known as the "Feast of Kings" (Fetes des Rois). On this day, it is customary to make donations and gather at the family table. Almond cake "Galette de Roy" (Galette des Rois) adorned with a golden paper crown; and a small toy crown (sometimes replaced by a bean) is hidden inside. The one to whom she comes across becomes the King or Queen of that day. (January 6 - Epiphany, Epiphany - the day when, according to biblical legend, three sorcerer kings from the East arrived in Bethlehem, since they had been given a sign of the birth of Christ in advance.)
The freedom-loving French do not honor traditions too much - few on Christmas Eve sit down at the family holiday table or go to Christmas mass. Most prefer to meet with friends. They drink, have a snack… They usually serve turkey or goose, as well as caviar, truffles, goose liver pate and oysters. It is said that the hospitable owners of some restaurants not only feed visitors for free, but also give them a basket of Christmas food with them.
Croatia
Christmas in Croatia is celebrated in the same way as in other countries of the Catholic world. Presents are placed under the Christmas tree, on the eve of Christmas the family sits down for a festive dinner, which is usually served with carp, and then everyone goes to church.
In the old days, a solemn meal was arranged on Christmas: they broke a special kalach baked from the flour of the first or last sheaf of the harvest, arranged caroling. On Christmas Eve (on the eve of Christmas), a special log (most often oak or pear) was kindled in a fireplace or on an open hearth, which was solemnly cut down on this occasion in the forest.
In the region of Dalmatia, a festive "king" was chosen. This "king" was given a paper crown, a rod, a tambourine and a horn, all his orders were carried out and feasted in his dwelling for several days.
Czech Republic
Christmas days in the Czech Republic begin four weeks before Christmas Eve, on each of which one candle is lit on the Advent wreath. One of my favorite holidays is St. Mikulash (Nikolay), on this day Mikulash, an angel and a devil walk along the street and give fruits and sweets to good children, and coal and potatoes to bad children.
On the evening of the 24th, the Czechs decorate Christmas trees with great care. This time of day they call generous. According to tradition, all family members first give gifts to each other to cheer up. Only then do they all sit down to dinner together. After dinner, it is customary to guess on apples. The fruit is cut across, and if the correct asterisk is obtained from the seeds inside, then the coming year will be happy. It was believed that the one who fasted, in the evening, a golden pig would certainly appear, bringing happiness ...
In the Czech Republic at this time, the most popular commodity is carps. According to tradition, no meat should be on the Czech Christmas table. It is replaced by fried carp - the main dish at Christmas. But some carps on the eve of the holiday are not served on the table, but are released into the river, giving them life and freedom on Christmas Eve, which they call "generous day." A new tradition that is widespread around the world is the grandiose Christmas sales. Shops and shopping centers At Christmas, they lure customers not only with unimaginable discounts, but also with whole performances that are arranged mainly for children in boutiques and supermarkets. But merchants do not remain "for nothing" - revenue in the pre-Christmas period breaks all records - people buy gifts for their relatives and friends.
Thu 1 January
New Year in Romania is celebrated on January 1 and 2. The Romanian Santa Claus is called Mosh Krachun. According to legend, the family of the shepherd Krachun sheltered the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary gave birth and Mosh Krechun gave the Virgin Mary and the child milk, sour cream and cheese. Since then, Holy Mosh ...
Tue 13 January
January 13-14 - Old New Year. He is met more often in a narrow circle of the family, less often with friends. Festive table, elegant clothes, candles, divination and carols. Small surprises are baked in New Year's pies: coins, porcelain figurines, rings, ...
Sat 14 Feb
February 14 - Valentine's Day - the holiday of lovers. During the reign of the Roman Empire, Claudius 11 in the Roman city of Terni lived a romantic priest Valentine, who patronized lovers, reconciled those who quarreled, helped write...
Sun 1 March
Romania has a wonderful spring custom: on the first of March, people give their loved ones, relatives and friends a small gift - Martisor. This is a red and white braided decoration that is worn on the chest throughout March, and in April it is tied to a flowering...
Sun 8 March
International Women's Day (March 8) is a date celebrated by women's groups around the world. It is also celebrated in the United Nations, and in many countries this day is a national holiday. When women, from all...
Wed 1 April
Romania does not officially celebrate April Fool's Day on April 1st. But, most likely, Romania does not need the April Fool's Day to be officially celebrated, since here humor and laughter are organically merged with the national one, and April 1, all the more, is not complete without jokes and laughter....
Wed 8 April
Gypsies have tried unsuccessfully for centuries to fight for their rights, and purposeful attempts to create an organization that would protect their interests were made only in 1919. On April 27, 1919, a general National Roma Assembly was convened...
Sat 11 April
Easter holidays in Romania, as elsewhere Orthodox world, begin with Saturday, which marks the Resurrection of Lazarus. In Romania, the Saturday of the resurrection of Lazarus bears the same name as the following Sunday - "Palm". However, in...
Sun 12 April
From this day begins the most severe period of Lent. This week marks the end of the 40-day fast and marks the moment of need to share the sufferings of Christ. She was and remains (but mostly in Romanian villages) the most...
Sun 19 April
Even the ministers of the church admit that in Romania Easter is not only Christian holiday, but, due to the fact that it falls on a period of transition from cold weather to warming, it combines and transfers many pre-Christian practices, customs and ...
Fri 1 May
May 1 is Labor Day. In the period before the 1990 revolution, May 1 in Romania was marked by demonstrations and demonstrations. There were festivals and concerts. But, I must say that in Romania this holiday has never been as solemn as it was ...
September
Sun 13 September
Harvesting wine grapes has long been considered a holiday. So, among the Romans, the collection began with a celebration in honor of the future harvest. The grapes were crushed by young slaves to the sounds of songs, which were called “press songs” or “wine songs”. AT...
Tue 1 December
The First World War was a terrible disaster for European nations. Millions of people died and were maimed in a monstrous meat grinder, tens of millions became refugees. The countries along which the front lines passed suffered enormous destruction. In list...
Fri 25 Dec
Orthodox Romania celebrates Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar - along with Western Christians. On Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve - young people and children with a star on a pole go around the houses, carol, praise the owners, wish them good, health, ...
Orthodox Romania celebrates today the Christmas holiday in the old style. Several dozen parishioners - employees of the embassy of the Russian Federation and other Russian institutions, as well as compatriots - came to the liturgy at the church of St. Nicholas Tabacu on the main street of Bucharest - Cala Victoria.
In the Romanian capital there is also a "Russian Church" with seven onion domes, which were once covered with gold. The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the initiative of the Embassy of the Russian Empire in Bucharest. Since 1957, the temple belongs to the Romanian Orthodox Church, and in 1992 it was transferred to the University of Bucharest and is now officially called the "Student Church".
Romania is an Orthodox country, where 81% of the population belongs to this religion. In 1924 the Romanian Orthodox Church adopted the Gregorian calendar, and most Orthodox now celebrate Christmas along with Western Europe on December 25th. According to the old - Julian - calendar, representatives of the Russian ethnic minority live in Romania. These are Russian-Lipovans - the descendants of the Old Believers who fled from the church reforms of Patriarch Nikon in the 18th century.
About 2,500 people today took part in the sacred liturgy at the monastery of Slatioare (Suceava county in the north of the country), where the metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Old Believer Church is located, Radio Romania reported. According to various sources, 40-100 thousand Romanian Russians live in the country. Almost three centuries ago, many Russian Old Believers who fled from the church reforms of Patriarch Nikon found refuge in the northern regions of Romania and in the inaccessible Danube Delta. They say that they settled in linden groves, for which they received the nickname "lipovans". Later, Russian settlements in these parts were replenished at the expense of runaway serfs, the Don Cossacks, the remnants of the troops of Stepan Razin (1630-1671).
The Russian schismatics described by Korolenko, Herzen and Melnikov-Pechersky always behaved in Romania with dignity and modesty, were shy of the authorities and took up any work. Patient and hardworking Lipovans over time earned a reputation in the country as successful fishermen, skilled builders and talented athletes. The Old Believers go to the evening service on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Liturgy in festive traditional clothes. According to a long-standing custom, priests go around the houses of residents in Lipovan villages, announcing the Nativity of Christ, and the faithful greet them with festive treats. The festive feast of the Old Believers consists of 12 dishes - according to the number of apostles. On the table are wheat kutya, cabbage rolls with mushrooms, dumplings, poppy seed rolls and nut gingerbread.
Christmas is also celebrated today by about 30,000 Orthodox Serbs in Timis County in western Romania. In accordance with an old custom, on Christmas Eve local parishioners burn an oak tree brought from the forest in the churchyard and sing Serbian carols.
Recently, numerous tourists from Russia, Ukraine and Moldova have been spending Christmas and New Year in the old style in Romania, who make excursions in the picturesque surroundings, go skiing, and get acquainted with traditional Romanian cuisine. Only resorts in the valley of the Prahova River - Sinai, Azuga, Predeal, Bushten, Poiana Brasov - received more than 7 thousand guests from these countries this year. "Celebration of Christmas and New Year in the old style in our region has already become a tradition," says the head of the Association for the Development of Tourism in the Prahova River Valley, Adrian Voikan. "This year, there are practically no empty rooms in the local hotels."
Christmas according to the old style (Julian calendar) is celebrated on January 7 instead of December 25, and the New Year is celebrated on January 14 instead of January 1.
