Traditions and customs from Transylvania during Epiphany

Orthodox Holidays in Transylvania

On January 6th and 7th, two of the greatest Orthodox holidays are celebrated, and like any other festivities, these have unique traditions and customs in Transylvania that make them special. These are Epiphany and Saint John the Baptist. From the north to the south of Transylvania, this holiday features a custom in nearly every region that has been passed down through generations.

Unique Traditions

Udatul Ionilor

One of these is the "Udatul Ionilor" (The Wetting of the Johns). It is said that the doors of everyone named John must have a decorated fir tree placed in front of them. Inside their homes, a grand celebration with musicians must take place. In some villages in Transylvania, those named Ion, Ioana, and others with the name John are carried through the village by neighbors to be baptized.

Fetching Holy Water

In certain areas of Transylvania, particularly in Maramureș, girls must run early in the morning to fetch holy water from the river. Tradition states that the girl who returns first with the water will be the most hardworking for the rest of the year. In some regions of Banat, girls also engage in dialogues with the river, again for the purpose of being baptized.

Throwing the Cross

In other areas, it is customary on Epiphany to throw a cross into a river. Men jump in after it, competing to see who can reach it first.

Celebratory Shouts

Also on Epiphany, in some regions of central Transylvania, it is customary to shoot guns and shout "Chiraleisa" after the priest exits the church with the Epiphany cross. It is said that those who shout the loudest will have strength throughout the year and will be spared from illnesses.

Immersion in Water

Another custom is to pour water over your head from the nearest river on Epiphany, and in some areas of Transylvania, people immerse themselves completely in the river even if it is freezing outside. For example, in some villages around Târgu Mureș, both men and women fully submerge in the water, braving the cold, and then warm themselves by the edge of a campfire.