Epiphany and the Blessing of the Waters (January 6). 

     Tradition:  Epiphany, known as Boboteaza in Romanian, is marked by a special religious ceremony. Priests bless rivers, lakes, and even wells, turning them into sources of holy water (agheasmă). People line up to fill bottles with it, using it to bless their homes and protect their families. In some places, the priest throws a wooden cross into the freezing water, and young men dive in to retrieve it. The one who brings it back is believed to be blessed with strength, bravery, and good fortune all year long. 

     Story: Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, marks the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. On this day, the priest blesses the waters, and people collect holy water to bless their homes and households. In some regions, brave young men dive into icy waters to retrieve a cross thrown by the priest—a gesture believed to bring luck and good health throughout the year.

January

This is Boboteaza!

“St. John’s Day and the Watering” (January 7th).

     Tradition: In some villages of Muntenia and Oltenia (southern Romania), after the Epiphany, young people "water" those named John (Ion), either by splashing them with water or playfully throwing them into rivers. This ritual is meant to purify them and bring good health and luck for the year. 

     Story: They say that in a certain village, a cheerful boy named Ion would always hide from his friends on this day, afraid of being thrown into the river. One year, they finally caught him and tossed him in. He came out laughing and shouted, "At least it could’ve been warm water!" Since then, the village jokes that “Ion only bathes on January 7th.”

This is St. John!

February

Dragobete (February 24)                                                          

  Tradition: Dragobete is the Romanian celebration of love, traditionally associated with the beginning of spring. On this day, girls and boys dress in their best clothes and go out to gather early spring flowers together. In villages, young people dance and sing, and sometimes confess their feelings. Folk belief says that if someone steps over their partner’s foot during a dance, they will have the upper hand in the relationship! 

     Story: Dragobete, celebrated on February 24th, is considered the Romanian version of Valentine’s Day. It’s a day dedicated to love and the coming of spring. According to folk belief, on this day birds choose their mates and begin building nests. Young people gather, hug, and pick early spring flowers—gestures thought to bring good fortune in love for the whole year.

This is Dragobete!

“Bear’s Day” (February 2nd).

     Tradition: In the Carpathian mountain regions, people believe that if the bear comes out of hibernation and sees its shadow (meaning it’s sunny), it gets scared and goes back into its den—sign that winter will last longer. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring is near. 

     Story: Elders from the Apuseni Mountains tell the tale of an old bear named Moș Martin, who would come out to the same clearing every year. Children from the nearby village would hike up the hill with flatbread and apples, hoping that if he didn’t go back to sleep, they’d soon be able to play again on green meadows.

This is Bear`s Day!

March

"Threads of Spring"

As the cold grip of winter loosened, little villages across Romania began to stir with color and tradition. On the first of March, Maria, a bright-eyed girl from the countryside, carefully tied a red and white string—a “Mărțișor”—around her little brother’s wrist. “It brings luck and health,” she whispered, just like her grandmother had told her when she was small.

She pinned another Mărțișor to her blouse and rushed outside. The streets were sprinkled with people exchanging these tiny tokens—red for love, white for purity. Old women sold handmade charms tied with the threads, while children wore them proudly.

A few days later, on March 9th, her family gathered to bake “mucenici”—honey-soaked pastries shaped like the number 8. “These are for the 40 Martyrs,” her father said, dipping one into crushed walnuts and sugar. He also poured 40 small cups of wine, laughing as he toasted to spring, life, and resilience.

Maria’s favorite part came at the end of the month. She took her Mărțișor and tied it to a blooming cherry tree, making a silent wish. As the wind rustled the petals, she believed, like every year, that spring had truly arrived.

This is Mărțișor!

April

Religious Significance

    •    Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a foundational event in Christianity.

    •    It follows Holy Week, which includes:

    •    Palm Sunday (Jesus enters Jerusalem),

    •    Maundy Thursday (The Last Supper),

    •    Good Friday (Crucifixion),

    •    and finally Easter Sunday (Resurrection).

    •    Churches often hold midnight vigils, sunrise services, and special masses.

Symbols and Their Meanings

    •    Easter Eggs: Symbolize new life and resurrection; originally dyed red in Orthodox traditions to represent Christ’s blood.

    •    The Easter Bunny: A folkloric figure (possibly from Germanic pagan roots) that delivers eggs—symbolizing fertility and renewal.

    •    Lamb: Represents Jesus as the “Lamb of God.”

    •    Lilies: A flower associated with purity and rebirth.

Cultural Traditions

    •    Easter Egg Hunts: Children search for hidden eggs in gardens or parks.

    •    Egg Rolling (USA, especially White House): A game where eggs are rolled across lawns; it symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb.

    •    Baking & Meals: Common foods include lamb, ham, hot cross buns, and various sweets depending on the country.

    •    Clothing: Some cultures wear new clothes or white to symbolize new life.

Regional Variations

    •    Italy: Celebrates with massive parades, religious processions, and the “Scoppio del Carro” (Explosion of the Cart) in Florence.

    •    Poland: Holds a blessing of food baskets (Święconka) on Holy Saturday.

    •    Greece: Celebrates with midnight fireworks and a feast after long fasting.

    •    Spain: Known for somber and elaborate Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions with hooded figures and giant floats.

This is Easter!

May

In the picturesque village of Măgura, where scattered houses seemed to embrace at the foot of the Carpathians, May brought with it a new breath of color and joy. After the harshness of winter and the timid awakening of spring, May was the month when nature exploded in fresh green and the intoxicating scent of wildflowers.

One of the most anticipated traditions was "Armindeniul," celebrated on May 1st. On the morning of that day, children, with cheeks flushed with enthusiasm, would wake up early to gather green branches of maple or beech. They would then adorn the gates of houses and homesteads with these branches, a symbol of abundance, health, and protection against evil spirits.

The village elders said that if you didn't put "armindeni" at the gate, you would have bad luck all year.

On the same day, the young people would gather on the hill overlooking the village to organize a large picnic. The girls, dressed in white blouses ("ii") embroidered with floral motifs, brought baskets filled with delicious treats: cheese pies, red eggs left over from Easter, and homemade sweets. The boys took care of the fire and the music, bringing their flutes and violins. The dances and songs echoed until late in the evening, as the sun slowly descended over the mountain peaks.

Another important tradition in May was linked to May 21st, when the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena were celebrated. Considered the patrons of shepherds, this day marked the "urcatul oilor la stână" (the ascending of the sheep to the mountain pastures). The shepherds, dressed in their traditional costumes, would gather their flocks and, after a special service officiated by the village priest, would set off towards the alpine pastures. This event was accompanied by melancholic sounds of the bucium (alphorn) and good wishes for a fruitful summer.

In some villages, "Sâmbra Oilor" was also held in May, a community celebration where shepherds would meet to decide who would guard the sheep on the mountain and to distribute dairy products. It was a time for socializing, exchanging experiences, and strengthening the bonds between community members.

Besides these specific holidays, May was also an intense period of agricultural work. The villagers dedicated themselves to sowing, planting, and tending to crops, hoping for a rich harvest. In the evening, after a long day of work, they would gather in their courtyards to tell stories and sing old songs, while the air filled with the fragrance of lilac and acacia blossoms.

For the children of Măgura, May was a true blessing. They were allowed to run barefoot through the soft grass, gather wildflowers to weave wreaths, and enjoy the freedom that the long, sunny days brought. It was a magical time, in which traditions intertwined harmoniously with the beauty of nature, creating precious memories that would last a lifetime. May in Măgura was not just a month on the calendar, but a symphony of colors, sounds, and customs that defined the authentic spirit of the Romanian village.

This is May Day!

June

1. Children’s Day (Ziua Copilului) – June 1st

Story/Meaning:

Children’s Day is a celebration of childhood and children’s rights. It’s a public holiday in Romania (since 2017), dedicated to honoring children and their well-being. Schools, kindergartens, and public institutions often organize special events, shows, and games for kids.

Origin:

It was established globally in 1925 during the World Conference on Child Welfare in Geneva, but Romania started officially observing it in the 1950s, during the communist period. Over time, it turned into a joyful celebration of the innocence and importance of children in society.

This is Children`s Day!

2. Orthodox Pentecost (Rusalii) – Date varies (in 2025: June 8-9)

Story/Meaning:

Rusalii celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, 50 days after Easter, marking the birth of the Christian Church. In Romania, it’s a major Orthodox Christian holiday and includes traditional customs, especially in rural areas.

Traditions:

In some regions, people wear garlic or basil for protection against evil spirits. There’s also a folk belief that the “iele” (mythical female spirits) are active during this time and can harm those who disrespect traditions.

This is Orthodox Pentecost!

3. National Flag Day (Ziua Drapelului Național) – June 26th

Story/Meaning:

This day honors the national flag of Romania – a tricolor of blue, yellow, and red – which symbolizes liberty, justice, and fraternity. On this day, the flag is celebrated with military ceremonies, speeches, and public displays.

Origin:

It was officially established in 1998, but the colors themselves have deep roots going back to the 19th century, during the 1848 Revolution, when they were used as symbols of Romanian national unity and identity.

This is National Flag Day!

July

1. Sfântul Ilie – Saint Elijah’s Day (July 20th)

Saint Elijah is a powerful figure in Romanian tradition. He is believed to ride across the sky in a chariot of fire, bringing thunder and lightning. On this day:

People avoid working the fields to prevent hail and storms.

Beekeepers harvest honey, which is taken to church for blessing.

In some areas, offerings are made to protect crops and animals.

This is Saint Elijah`s Day!

2. Târgul de Fete de pe Muntele Găina – The Girls’ Fair on Găina Mountain (The weekend closest to July 20th)

This is a traditional matchmaking festival in the Apuseni Mountains:

Originally a place where young women came to find a husband by showing their dowries.

Today, it is a large folk event with traditional music, crafts, and dancing.

Visitors from all over Romania gather to celebrate mountain heritage.

This is the Girls`Fair!

August

1. Sfânta Maria Mare – The Dormition of the Virgin Mary (August 15th)

One of the most important Orthodox holidays in Romania. It marks the passing of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

People attend liturgies and go on pilgrimages to monasteries like Nicula or Putna.

Fruits such as grapes, plums, and apples are blessed and shared.

It's also a traditional time for rural weddings and summer fairs.

This is The Dormition of the Virgin Mary!

2.Schimbarea la față(The Transfiguration of the Lord)

The Transfiguration of the Lord is an important Christian holiday, celebrated on August 6. 

It dates back to the 4th century, when Empress Helena built a church on Mount Tabor, the place where the biblical event took place.

The holiday became widespread later, by the decision of Pope Callistus III.

The event describes the moment when the face of Jesus Christ was transfigured, His face shining like the sun, His clothes white as snow.

Moses and Elijah appeared next to Jesus, talking to Him about His passion and death.

The theological significance is the vision of God and the possibility of human transfiguration - deification even in this life. In popular tradition, the Transfiguration is also called Obrejenia or Probejenia, and is also considered the beginning of autumn.

In Greek it is called Metamorphosis, and Saint Anthimus the Ivirian calls it "The Divine Beautification of Christ."