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Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th in Moldova, following the Julian calendar used by the Eastern Orthodox Church. This differs from the Gregorian calendar where Christmas falls on December 25th. The date marks the birth of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian belief.
Moldovan Orthodox Christmas traditions are rich and diverse, often beginning with a period of fasting for 40 days before the holiday, known as the Nativity Fast. This period ends on Christmas Eve, when a special meal known as "ajun" (meaning 'eve') is prepared. This dinner typically includes 12 dishes representing the twelve apostles, and it's vegetarian or lean because fasting does not yet end until after attending the first star (symbolizing Christ's birth) appears in the sky.
People also attend church services; one of the most important ones is the Divine Liturgy held on Christmas morning. Churches are beautifully decorated and filled with congregants celebrating this sacred holiday.
On Orthodox Christmas Day, Moldovans visit family and friends to exchange gifts and good wishes. Traditional foods are enjoyed which may include dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread), and various pork dishes after abstaining from meat during fasting. Caroling is also a popular activity; groups of carolers, called "colindători," visit homes singing traditional songs that tell biblical stories and offer blessings to household members.
Homes are often adorned with decorations similar to those found in Western Christian traditions such as trees, lights, and nativity scenes. Families gather around these symbols to celebrate together in festive spirits.
Christmas is not only a religious event but also a cultural one that reinforces family bonds and national heritage through shared customs passed down through generations in Moldova.
