Christmas Traditions
Christmas TraditionsIn romaniaRomania : Short Introduction: -
Located in SE Europe, it has all three major geographical elements
(sea, hills, mountains ) - Not only the country of vampires -
Cultural diversity - One of the most richest country regarding
bio-diversity - Friendly people, interesting traditionsOne of the
most beautiful mountain roads in Europe
Transfagarasan ( Build during the communist regim, in less than
2 years by prisoners and army )Corvins Castle, pretty awesome right
?Its one of the many castles spreaded around Transylvania.Atracting
tourists since 1446
The country where giants lived -one of the most well kept
secrets in the soviet Era - over 1000 skeletons of giant human
beings found in Transylvania ( they were over 5 meters tall )
Decebals face Very old sculpture representing Decebal ( A dacian
ruler ) Keeping an eye over the Donau river for a very long time.(
I dont even remember)
Ever heard of DRACULA ?Yup, this is his home ( Bran Castle )
Hints : - Blood Thirsty - Scary looks1456 Vlad the Devil 4th,
oftenly named Vlad the impler started to rule Valahia (region of
Romania) - Prefferd method of punishing criminals IMPALING -
Transylvania became famous after Bram Stokers first vampire
novel
Beautiful wooden churches Common sight in Romania, especially in
Maramures are the wooden churches
Happy Cemetery ( Romanians are well known for their sense of
humor, but common )Also can be found in Maramures.
Can you hear it coming ? The only narrow gauge steam train (
still used today in Romania )Mocanita Valea Vaserului
Its used to transport people, animals, and supplies to remote
villages in the heart of the mountains.
In the summer its a touristic attraction ( each day aprox. 500
tourists visit the narrow gauge train )
Still not impressed ?What about this washing machine ? ( uses
gravity, pure water andthats it )
Now, about CHRISTMAS TRADITIONSChristmas is a very important
holiday in Romania ( we take it seriously )
City of Sibiu during winter holidaysCultural Capital of Europe
in 2007
Christmas Traditions in Romania
One day before Christmas In our tradition one day before
Christmas we first sacrifice some animals in the morning ( This
tradition is called IGNAT )After meat is on the table all young men
get together, dress up horses in traditional port; and they begin
the LOLE hunt
What are LOLE ? The legend says that when turks tried to invade
Transylvania, mythological creatures came from the ground and the
moon to protect the land from invadors. Well, ofcourse this was
only a one time thing, we got invaded by Austro-Hungarian empire
shortly after This young men, dress up in scary costumes to scare
away the dark souls that hunt the land before Christmas, so the
birth of Jesus is celebrated in a pure atmosphere.
In some parts of the country ( especially in the mountain areas
) the connection between humans and wildbeasts was very tight The
Bear follows the LOLE everywhere they go.
Meanwhile the women prepare traditional food.And special treats
for children who will come and sing Christmas carols.
A group of little children singing Christmas carols.Sadly this
sight is slowly fading away.
Christmas morning First thing we do in the Christmas morning, we
go to church and pray. After church, the whole family gets together
and celebrate Christmas like everywhere else. Its time to relax and
enjoy quality time with family and friends.
The hardest part, is to say goodbye to family and friends and go
to different cities, countries. Far away from home !
