Christmas (by old style) in Moldova
Christmas (by old style) is a holiday in Moldova.
When is Christmas (by old style) in Moldova
Christmas (by old style) is celebrated on 07, January, 2023 in Moldova.
About Christmas (by old style) in Moldova
In Moldova, the Christmas holiday, celebrated according to the old style, holds great significance and is deeply rooted in tradition. The old style Christmas, also known as Christmas according to the Julian calendar, is celebrated on January 7th.
Preparations for the Christmas festivities usually begin weeks in advance. Houses are cleaned and decorated with various ornaments, including traditional Moldovan handicrafts such as woven rugs and embroidered towels. The Christmas tree, often a spruce or fir tree, is adorned with lights, tinsel, and handmade decorations.
On Christmas Eve, families gather for a festive dinner known as “Cina de Ajun.” The table is set with a variety of traditional dishes, including sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice), plăcinte (stuffed pastries), cozonac (a sweet bread with nuts and raisins), and coliva (boiled wheat with honey and nuts). The meal is accompanied by homemade wine and traditional Moldovan spirits like rachiu or divin.
After dinner, families often attend the midnight church service, known as “Miezul Nopții.” The service is filled with prayers, hymns, and the reading of biblical passages, culminating in the symbolic moment of the birth of Jesus. People light candles and exchange greetings of “Hristos se naste!” (Christ is born!) and “Adevarat s-a nascut!” (Truly, He is born!).
Following the church service, families return home and continue the celebration. Some engage in caroling, going from house to house singing traditional Christmas songs called “colinde.” The singers are often rewarded with treats or small gifts.
Children eagerly await the arrival of “Moș Crăciun” (Santa Claus) or “Moș Gerilă” (Old Man Frost), who brings gifts for them. In Moldova, it is believed that Moș Crăciun arrives on a sleigh pulled by horses or even bears.
The Christmas season continues with gatherings of family and friends, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Many people also take part in cultural events and concerts that showcase traditional music and dances.
Overall, the old style Christmas in Moldova is a time of joy, togetherness, and reverence for religious traditions. It highlights the rich cultural heritage of the country and brings communities closer as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
History of Christmas (by old style) in Moldova
The history of Christmas in Moldova dates back to ancient times when the region was under the influence of various civilizations and cultures. The Christmas traditions in Moldova have been shaped by the mix of Orthodox Christianity and local customs.
Before the introduction of Christianity, the ancient Moldovan people celebrated the winter solstice, known as the “Dochia” or “Ziua Cucilor” festival. This pagan festival marked the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of a new one. It was a time of feasting, singing, and dancing, with people hoping for a prosperous year ahead.
With the arrival of Christianity in the region, Christmas took on a new meaning. Moldova, being predominantly Orthodox Christian, celebrates Christmas on January 7th, according to the old Julian calendar (Old Style). This date differs from the widely celebrated December 25th Christmas in other parts of the world.
The Christmas season in Moldova begins with a period of fasting called “Postul Crăciunului” or the Christmas fast. It starts on November 14th and lasts for 40 days, during which people abstain from consuming meat, dairy products, and other indulgences. This period of fasting is meant to prepare individuals spiritually for the birth of Jesus.
On Christmas Eve, known as “Ajunul Crăciunului,” families gather for a festive meal. The table is set with traditional dishes, including “sarmale” (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice), “plăcintă” (a type of pie), “coliva” (a boiled wheat dish), and “cozonac” (a sweet bread with nuts and raisins). The meal is accompanied by carol singing and prayers.
After the meal, children eagerly await the arrival of “Moș Crăciun” (Santa Claus) or “Moș Nicolae” (St. Nicholas), who brings gifts and sweets. In some regions of Moldova, children go from house to house, singing carols and receiving treats in return.
The celebration of Christmas continues on Christmas Day, with families attending church services and participating in religious processions. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and spending time with loved ones.
In recent years, the celebration of Christmas in Moldova has been influenced by Western customs, with the inclusion of Christmas trees, decorations, and the exchange of gifts on December 25th. However, the traditional Orthodox Christmas celebrations on January 7th, following the old style calendar, still hold great significance for many Moldovans.
Overall, the history of Christmas in Moldova reflects the blending of ancient pagan traditions with Orthodox Christian beliefs, creating a unique and culturally rich holiday season.
How is Christmas (by old style) celebrated in Moldova
In Moldova, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th according to the old Julian calendar, which is followed by the Orthodox Church. Here is how Christmas is celebrated in Moldova:
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Preparations: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, people clean their homes and decorate them with lights, ornaments, and a Christmas tree. Traditional Moldovan decorations include handmade straw ornaments, called “sorci,” which are hung on the Christmas tree.
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Fasting: Many Moldovans observe a period of fasting called “Postul Crăciunului” or the Christmas fast. This involves abstaining from meat, dairy products, and sometimes even oil and wine. The fast lasts for 40 days, starting on November 28th.
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Christmas Eve: On Christmas Eve, known as “Ajunul Crăciunului,” families gather for a festive dinner. The table is set with a white tablecloth and straw is placed underneath to symbolize the manger where baby Jesus was laid. The meal traditionally includes dishes like fish, vegetable-based soups, and various traditional Moldovan dishes.
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Caroling: After the Christmas Eve dinner, groups of children and young adults go from house to house, singing carols and spreading good wishes. They are usually rewarded with sweets, fruits, or small gifts.
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Midnight Divine Liturgy: Many people attend the Midnight Divine Liturgy at their local Orthodox church. This is a special Christmas service that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The service includes prayers, hymns, and the Holy Communion.
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Christmas Day: On Christmas Day, families gather again for a festive meal. This day is usually spent visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional Moldovan sweets and desserts like “cozonac” (a sweet bread with nuts or poppy seeds) and “plăcintă” (a pastry filled with cheese, pumpkin, or apples).
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Traditional customs: In some regions of Moldova, there are additional customs associated with Christmas. For example, in certain villages, people dress up in traditional costumes and perform traditional dances and songs. Another custom involves “Pluguşorul,” a ritual where young boys go from house to house, reciting poems and blessings for good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Overall, Christmas in Moldova is a time of joy, celebration, and religious devotion, with an emphasis on family, traditions, and spreading goodwill to others.
Dates
Christmas (by old style) will be celebrated in Moldova on 2023-01-07, 2023-01-08, 2024-01-07, 2024-01-08, 2025-01-07, 2025-01-08, 2026-01-07, 2026-01-08, 2027-01-07, 2027-01-08 in the comming years.
