Christmas (by new style) in Moldova
Christmas (by new style) is a holiday in Moldova.
When is Christmas (by new style) in Moldova
Christmas (by new style) is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Moldova.
About Christmas (by new style) in Moldova
In Moldova, the Christmas holiday, also known as Christmas by the new style, is celebrated on December 25th according to the Gregorian calendar. The majority of the population in Moldova follows the Eastern Orthodox Church, which observes Christmas on this date.
Christmas in Moldova is a significant religious and cultural celebration for the people. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to enjoy the festive spirit. The holiday season in Moldova typically starts with the Advent period, which is a time of fasting and preparation for Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, which is known as “Ajunul Crăciunului” in Romanian, families gather for a special dinner. The meal traditionally includes various dishes, with meat being the centerpiece, such as pork, chicken, or fish. Other traditional foods like sarmale (cabbage rolls), plăcinte (pastries), and cozonac (sweet bread) are also prepared. The dinner table is often decorated with an assortment of fruits, nuts, and sweets.
After the dinner, families attend the midnight church service, known as “Masa de la miezul noptii” or the Midnight Mass. This is a significant part of the Christmas celebration, where people come together to sing carols and listen to the sermon. Churches are beautifully adorned with festive decorations and lit candles, creating a magical atmosphere.
Following the church service, families return home and exchange gifts. Children eagerly await the arrival of Moș Crăciun (Santa Claus) or Moș Nicolae (St. Nicholas), who brings presents for them. It is a joyful time when families come together to open their gifts and spend quality time with loved ones.
Throughout the Christmas season, caroling is an important tradition in Moldova. Groups of carolers, often dressed in traditional costumes, go from house to house singing traditional carols known as “colinde.” They are usually rewarded with small gifts or treats for their performances.
In addition to the religious and cultural aspects, Christmas in Moldova is also marked by various festive events and activities. Christmas markets are set up in different cities, offering a wide range of traditional crafts, food, and drinks. Festive concerts, plays, and exhibitions are organized, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Overall, Christmas in Moldova is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. It combines religious traditions with cultural customs, creating a unique and special holiday experience for the people of Moldova.
History of Christmas (by new style) in Moldova
The history of the Christmas holiday in Moldova, according to the new style calendar, dates back to the Christianization of the region. Moldova, situated in Eastern Europe, has a predominantly Orthodox Christian population, and Christmas holds significant religious and cultural importance.
Christianity was introduced to the region in the 4th century AD when the Roman Empire adopted it as the state religion. Over time, Christianity spread throughout the Moldovan territory, and the celebration of Christmas became an integral part of the religious calendar.
The new style calendar, also known as the Gregorian calendar, was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to replace the Julian calendar. However, in Moldova, as in many Orthodox Christian countries, the Julian calendar is still used for religious celebrations, including Christmas.
The Orthodox Church in Moldova follows the Julian calendar, which places Christmas on January 7th. This date corresponds to December 25th in the Gregorian calendar. The difference in dates is due to the discrepancy between the two calendar systems.
Christmas in Moldova is a joyous and festive occasion. The celebration begins on Christmas Eve, known as “Ajunul Crăciunului” in Romanian. On this day, families gather for a special meal, which traditionally includes dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread), and coliva (a boiled wheat dish).
After the meal, people attend the midnight church service, known as the “Masa de Crăciun” or Christmas Mass. The service is filled with prayers, hymns, and the reading of the Nativity story from the Bible. It is a time for worship, reflection, and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Following the church service, families return home and exchange gifts. Children eagerly await the arrival of “Moș Crăciun” (Santa Claus), who brings presents and joy to the little ones. The gifts are placed under a Christmas tree, adorned with lights, ornaments, and garlands.
Throughout the Christmas season, Moldovans engage in various customs and traditions. Carolers, known as “colindători,” visit homes and sing Christmas carols, spreading good wishes and receiving small gifts or treats in return. People also participate in “Plugușorul,” a folk ritual where young men dress in traditional attire and go from house to house, blessing the homes and wishing prosperity for the coming year.
In recent years, Moldova has seen the influence of Western Christmas traditions, such as Santa Claus and exchanging gifts on December 25th. However, the core of the celebration remains rooted in the Orthodox Christian customs and traditions.
Overall, the history of the Christmas holiday in Moldova, based on the new style calendar, is deeply intertwined with the religious and cultural heritage of the country. It is a time of spiritual reflection, family gatherings, and spreading joy and goodwill among loved ones and the community.
How is Christmas (by new style) celebrated in Moldova
Christmas in Moldova, celebrated according to the new style (Gregorian calendar), is a significant and joyous holiday for the majority of the population, which is predominantly Orthodox Christian. Here is how Christmas is celebrated in Moldova:
-
Christmas Eve (December 24th): On this day, families gather for a festive meal known as the “Cina de Ajun” or “Cina Cumpărată.” The meal consists of various traditional dishes, including sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice), cozonac (sweet bread with nuts or chocolate), and plăcinte (pastries filled with cheese, potatoes, or fruits). The table is set with an extra place for the “colindători” (carolers) who may visit during the evening.
-
Caroling: Groups of children and adults, dressed in traditional costumes, go from house to house singing Christmas carols called “colinde.” They are welcomed with treats and small gifts. This tradition is cherished and brings joy to both the carolers and the households.
-
Midnight Church Service: Many people attend the midnight church service on Christmas Eve, known as the “Masa de Gallo.” The service is filled with prayers, hymns, and the announcement of Jesus’ birth. After the service, people light candles and take them home to symbolize the light of Christ.
-
Christmas Day (December 25th): On Christmas morning, families gather for a festive breakfast. Some people may exchange gifts during this time, while others choose to exchange gifts on New Year’s Eve.
-
Family Time and Visiting Relatives: Christmas is a time for families to come together and spend quality time with one another. Relatives and friends often visit each other’s homes, sharing meals, stories, and laughter.
-
Festive Decorations: Houses are decorated with lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees. Some people also create a Nativity scene, known as “Steaua” or “Craiul,” which represents the birth of Jesus.
-
Traditional Folk Dances and Music: In some regions, traditional dances and music are performed during the Christmas season. This adds to the festive atmosphere and keeps the cultural traditions alive.
Overall, Christmas in Moldova is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration of the birth of Jesus. The traditions and customs passed down through generations create a unique and special atmosphere during this holiday season.
Dates
Christmas (by new style) will be celebrated in Moldova on 2023-12-25, 2024-12-25, 2025-12-25, 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25 in the comming years.
