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Historical Background: Christmas Eve in Moldova has its roots in Christian traditions and is observed on the evening of December 24th. As Moldova has a majority Eastern Orthodox Christian population, which follows the Julian calendar, many celebrate Christmas Eve on January 6th. This aligns with the old-style calendar that runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in many other parts of the world.
Traditions and Celebrations:
Fasting: Many Moldovans adhere to a period of fasting for 40 days leading up to Christmas Eve, known as the Nativity Fast. The fast ends with a feast on Christmas Eve, signaling the birth of Jesus.
Sătucul: On Christmas Eve, families prepare a special meal called "sătucul," which consists of 12 dishes representing the 12 apostles. These dishes are typically meatless and may include grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Sowing Wheat: An old tradition involves sowing wheat on a plate or tray around one month before Christmas. The way it grows is believed to predict the wealth of the coming year.
Caroling: Caroling is an essential part of Christmas Eve in Moldova. Groups of people, often children and young adults, visit houses singing traditional carols called "colinde." In return, they receive treats or money.
Divination: Some still practice divination rituals passed down through generations. These are meant to foretell events in the upcoming year.
Church Services: For those who are devoutly religious, attending a church service on Christmas Eve is an important ritual. The services are often candlelit and filled with hymns celebrating the nativity.
Modern Observances: Today's celebrations often combine these traditional practices with more modern festivities such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and spending time with family members. While urban areas might lean towards contemporary ways of celebrating, rural parts still hold strong to age-old customs.
Christmas Eve remains a deeply cherished time in Moldova when people emphasize community spirit, generosity, and reflection upon spiritual values.
