In Romania, Christmas and mid-winter celebrations last from 20th December to
7th January. The 20th is when people celebrate St. Ignatius's Day. It is
traditional that if the family keep pigs, one is
killed on this day. The meat from the pig is used in the Christmas meals.
killed on this day. The meat from the pig is used in the Christmas meals.
The Christmas celebrations really begin on Christmas Eve,
24th, when it's time to decorate the Christmas Tree. This is done in the
evening of Christmas Eve. In Romanian, Christ
mas Eve is called 'Ajunul
Craciunului'.
Carol singing (known as 'Colindatul') is also a very popular
part of Christmas in Romania. On Christmas Eve children go out carol singing
from house to house performing to the adults in the houses. They normally dance
as well. The children get sweets, fruit, traditional cakes called 'cozonaci'
and sometimes money for singing well. Adults go carol singing on Christmas Day
evening and night.
A traditional Romanian Carol is the 'Star Carol'. The star,
made of colored paper and often decorated with tinsel, silver foil and
sometimes bells, is put on a pole. In the middle of the star is a picture of
baby Jesus or a nativity scene. Carol singers take the star with them when they
go carol singing. The words of the Star Carol are:
"The star has appeared on high,
Like a big secret in the sky,
The star is bright,
May all your wishes turn out right."
"The star has appeared on high,
Like a big secret in the sky,
The star is bright,
May all your wishes turn out right."