Christmas Traditions in Transylvania: from fasting to caroling in the villages

Christmas Preparations in Transylvania

Christmas is coming again, and preparations are in full swing. In every home in Transylvania, the sweet bread is baking from the early hours of the morning, the warm mixture is being prepared in the oven, and the housewives have just taken the cabbage out of the pantry to turn it into delicious sarmale. The Christmas tree is also waiting to be decorated so that Santa can bring the most beautiful gifts beneath its branches.

The Story of Christmas

In Transylvania, Christmas traditions are revered with great care. There is no home where you won't feel the unique atmosphere of this region during the Christmas season. But perhaps before listing some of the Christmas traditions, let us tell you the legend of Santa Claus:

It is said that Jesus was born in the yard of a certain Mr. Christmas, a wealthy but extremely wicked Jew who had a penchant for drinking. On the night of the Savior's birth, Mr. Christmas was not home, only Mrs. Christmas, who allowed the Virgin Mary to give birth to the child in her stable. When Mr. Christmas learned of this, he cut off both of his wife's hands, but the Virgin Mary miraculously reattached them and turned them into gold. Seeing this, Mr. Christmas knelt down to ask for forgiveness from the Virgin.

The Tradition of Advent

Traditions in Transylvania, however, begin long before Christmas Day. The Christmas fast, a period that starts on November 15 and lasts until December 24, also signifies a time when agricultural work is set aside. During this period, no one eats meat products, and the women in the countryside focus primarily on sewing garments for the Christmas celebration.

Saint Nicholas Pies

Just like the tradition of fasting, the custom of pies on the evening of Saint Nicholas (December 6) is especially preserved in the villages of Transylvania. The girls gather together as early as December 5 to diligently knead the dough for the pies. In the evening, all the boys from the village come together with the girls and begin to celebrate until the next day.

The Tradition of the Glowing Tray

The tradition of the glowing tray inherited from the Saxons is another unique custom. In the past, when the Saxon population in Transylvania was still large, on December 12th, a tradition was practiced that required the father to walk around with a tray on his head containing some burning twigs. He had to stroll through the entire household to protect the home from all evils.

Caroling in Transylvania

The most well-known tradition is undoubtedly that of caroling. Especially in the villages of Transylvania, this tradition is felt more strongly than anywhere else. In the evening, the young men of the village gather in large groups, sometimes even more than 20 people, and go from house to house to sing carols.

However, the groups must consist of an even number of people; otherwise, it is said that they will not have luck with their caroling. As a token of gratitude, the hosts reward them with:

• Fruits
• Nuts
• Pastries
• A glass of mulled wine to warm them up

The Star and Bethlehem

The tradition of caroling with the star is also an important one in Transylvania. Following the group of carolers, there comes another group that carries a star made of wood and cardboard, adorned with ribbons and featuring a picture of the Nativity in the center. Their purpose is to announce the Birth of the Savior.

The carol is not complete without the group of young people who proclaim the birth of Jesus through the custom of Bethlehem. They carry a miniature wooden church and a panel that recreates the stable where Jesus was born. Hosts are obliged to reward them only with money to ensure that their homes are protected from misfortune.

Conclusion

Christmas traditions in Transylvania are still respected, especially in rural areas. So, if you want to truly feel the Christmas atmosphere, don't hesitate to spend a few days in these lands.