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Christmas Eve in Romania, known as "Ajunul Crăciunului," is steeped in deep-rooted traditions that blend Christian beliefs with ancient pagan customs. Historically, Christmas festivities begin on December 24th, marking the end of fasting during Advent for the Orthodox Christian majority.
On this day, Romanian families engage in final preparations for Christmas Day. It is a time for last-minute cleaning and decorating, ensuring that homes are welcoming for both the holiday and any visiting carolers. Traditional decorations often include natural elements such as fir branches and fruits.
Caroling: One of the most cherished customs is caroling ("colindat"). Groups of children and adults alike travel from house to house singing traditional carols ("colinde"), which tell stories of Christ's birth. Homeowners typically reward them with sweets, fruit, or sometimes money as a token of appreciation.
Preparing the Meal: A significant part of Christmas Eve is spent cooking. Special dishes are prepared for the Christmas meal, which after fasting periods may include various types of meat like pork, sausages, and sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with minced meat).
Straw under the Tablecloth: A unique tradition involves placing a bit of straw under the tablecloth during dinner to symbolize Jesus' manger. Some families also set an extra place at the table to welcome any unexpected guest, embodying the spirit of hospitality.
Gift Exchange: While gifts are often exchanged on Christmas Day, some families may choose to do so on Christmas Eve night after dinner when they gather around the tree.
Attending Church Services: Many Romanians attend a midnight liturgy or mass to mark the arrival of Christmas Day.
Overall, Christmas Eve in Romania is characterized by a warm atmosphere filled with familial love, joyous music from carols echoing through towns and villages, rich traditions passed down through generations, and heartfelt preparation for one of Romania's most beloved holidays.
