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Orthodox Christmas Day in Moldova, celebrated on January 7th, is a major religious holiday that follows the Julian calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar used by many Western Christian churches. This discrepancy leads to a 13-day gap between the two Christmas celebrations.
History and Traditions:
Orthodox Christianity arrived in the region now known as Moldova in the Middle Ages. As with other Eastern Orthodox countries, Moldova retained the Julian calendar for religious celebrations even after switching to the Gregorian calendar for secular purposes.
Traditionally, Moldovan Orthodox Christmas is preceded by a period of fasting (Advent), which begins on November 28th and lasts until January 6th. The fast ends with a feast on Christmas Day, where families gather and enjoy special dishes like "sarmale" (cabbage rolls), "colțunași" (dumplings), and various pork dishes, reflecting Moldova's culinary heritage.
What People Do:
Church Services: Many Moldovans attend church services on Christmas Eve (January 6th) and Christmas Day. These services often include singing traditional carols known as "colinde," which convey religious themes and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Family Gatherings: Families come together to share meals and exchange gifts. It's a time for unity and reconnecting with loved ones.
Traditions: Carol singing is also performed from house to house by groups of children and adults, bringing good wishes to their neighbors. These carolers are often rewarded with sweets, small gifts, or money.
Public Celebrations: In urban areas like Chișinău, public celebrations may include concerts, festivals, and decorations throughout the city. Government offices, businesses, and schools are generally closed as people observe this significant holiday.
Orthodox Christmas Day in Moldova remains an important cultural touchstone that underscores the nation's historical ties to Eastern Orthodoxy while providing an opportunity for reflection, community engagement, and celebration of spiritual traditions.
