Finanz - Wirtschaftsgymnasium Vassil Levski; Bułgaria

Technical College Lorin Salagean, Drobeta; Rumunia

Colegium “Ion Kalinderu”, Busteni; Rumunia
1st Lyceum Arsakeio Ekalis; Grecja
I Zespół Szkół im. Stanisława Staszica, Wschowa; Polska
Zespół Szkół, Góra; Polska
 Polska

When we have chritsmas in Poland?

A traditional Polish Christmas is

a celebration of Christ's birth that begins in
early December and extends all the way to
Epiphany on January 6. Many aspects of a
Polish Christmas are unique to the
Polish culture and its basis in family and religion.
Religious symbolism and the spirit of goodwill
are evident throughout all of the
traditional events that comprise a Polish
Christmas.

The preparations for Christmas begin many

days before the actual celebration. Nearly
everywhere women are cleaning windows in
apartments and houses just before Christmas. The insides of the houses are also cleaned
thoroughly. It is believed that if a house is dirty on Christmas Eve, it will remain dirty all next
year.
 Time Frame

The Polish Christmas season begins with St. Nicholas Day on December 6 when "Santa
Claus" brings small gifts to all of the good girls and boys in Poland. During the weeks
before Christmas, Polish homes are cleaned thoroughly inside and out in preparation for
the Polish Christmas festivities and the New Year. Traditional Polish Christmas customs are
still widely practiced on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day on
December 26.

Christmas in Poland

Traditionally, Advent is an important season in the Polish year,

with special church services, known as Roraty, being held every
morning at 6am. The four Sundays of Advent are said to represent
the 4,000 years of waiting for Christ.

During Advent and, in some homes, on Christmas Eve, bees wax

or plain wax is poured on water, and fortunes are told from the
shapes which emerge.

Special tasks carried out during Advent are the baking of the Christmas piernik or honey
cake, and the making of Christmas decorations. Pierniki are made in a great variety of
shapes, including hearts, animals and St Nicholas figures. Traditional decorations include
the pajaki, which are handmade mobiles, stars and decorated egg shells. Pajaki are
traditional decorations, rather lots of bomb lets, colorful paper chains and lots of electric
lights.
Beautifully lit Christmas trees are placed in all public arenas, outside churches and in
homes. Traditionally the trees are decorated with shiny apples, gift walnuts, beautifully
wrapped chocolate shapes and many homemade decorations and candles. On the top of
the tree is a star or a glittering top piece. In many homes, sparklers are hung on the
branches of the trees giving it a magical air. Sometimes the trees are left standing until
February 2nd, the feast day of St Mary of the Candle of Lightning.

During Advent, the Gwiadorze or star carriers or carol singers, used to begin wandering
through the towns and villages and this would continue until Epiphany. Some of
the Gwiadorze sang carols, others recited verses or put on Szopke or puppet show,
or herody or nativity scenes. The last two customs are developments from traditional
manger scenes or Jaselka or crib.

Christmas Eve, Wigilia, is an important part of the Polish Christmas, in fact, the most
important rituals are celebrated on this day.

A traditional food found in Poland is Oplatek which is a piece of bread pressed with a holy
picture on the surface. Oplatek is more symbolic than real food. We celebrate with at least
12 different vegetarian dishes like: mushroom soup, carp, cabbage with pea, stuffed
dumplings, and shells macaroni with poppy "makielki". In some homes - some hay is put
under the tablecloth (it is connected with Christ's manger).

People once carried these oplatek from house to house and wish their neighbors a Merry
Christmas. Nowadays, the bread is mostly shared with members of the family and
immediate neighbors. As each person shares the bread, they would have to do two things:
forgive any hurts that have occurred over the past year and to wish the person all the
happiness in the coming year.
Nativity is a spectacle of Christmas mysteries
inspired by the medieval Franciscans.
As the creator of shows Christmas is regarded St.
Francis of Assisi. Their content was the story of
Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and Herod conspiracy.
Initially, statues of the Child, Mary, Joseph, Three
Kings and the rest of the cast were stationary.
Thanks and Bernardine Franciscan orders were
introduced in place of puppets.
In the first half of the eighteenth century, the Polish
bishops banned nativity display in churches. The
reason was the increasing penetration of the content of representations of scenes and
characters of a ludic. With szopkami then began to sing a carol outside the walls of
temples, inclu, journeymen, etc. They were the
beginning teatrzykom folk wandering about the
secular nature.
Nativity texts, mostly dialect conversations were
largely anonymous. It was processed several
times, among other things due to the fact that they
contained threads that relate to current events.
Well-known literary studies include nativity play
written by Lucjan Rydel Fri Polish Bethlehem.
For the drawing on the traditions of contemporary
Polish cribs crib should be Dominican in Poznan,
with texts by Jacek Kowalski, issued by the
theater sociable.

Brygida Sanecka kl. III TI

Pasterka one of many polish Christmas traditions

When we will ate suppers alrady unpacked the

presents from under the Christmas tree and we sang
together carols next we went to the church for
Christmas Midnight. These moments become in
memory for long time.
Midnight Mass is a solemn Mass celebrated at
midnight from 24 to 25 December, the first Christmas.
Commemorates the expectation and prayer efforts of
the shepherds to Bethlehem. Shepherdess practice
adopted in Rome in the sixth Midnight Mass to
symbolize not only the birth of Jesus Christ, but also
the arrival of the shepherds to the stable, hence the name
Midnight. Poor peasants in the field of sheep pasającym angel from heaven proclaimed the
coming of the savior of the world. Without hesitation, according to the instructions of an
angel, they went to the city of David Bethlehem, where they found "the child wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." For the first time celebrated shepherdess Gregory IV

Pasterka, msza pasterska/ Midnight Mass Pastoral:

Christmas
celebrated solemn mass of 24 December to 25
December , first in Christmas.
Midnight Mass commemorates the expectation and
prayer efforts of the shepherds to Bethlehem.
In Poland is one of the most important Christmas
traditions.

Karina Rodak
Piotr Sikora kl. III TI

Pastorale

Pastorale refers to something of a pastoral nature in music,

whether in form or in mood. In baroque music, a pastorale is a
movement of a melody in 3rds over a drone bass, recalling the
traditional Christmas playing of pifferari (players of traditional
bagpipes (zampogna) and reed pipes) in Italy. Pastorales are
generally in 6/8 or 12/8 metres. Common examples include the
last movement of Corelli's Christmas Concerto (op.6 no.8), the
third movement in Vivaldi's Spring concerto from The Four
Seasons, the Pifa movement in Handel's Messiah, the first
movements of Bach's Pastorella for organ and his Sinfonia
opening part II of his Christmas Oratorio as an introduction to the
angelic announcement to the shepherds. Scarlatti wrote some
examples in his keyboard sonatas, and many other baroque
composers, particularly French, used this technique.

Pastorales are still played in the regions of Southern Italy where the zampogna continues to
thrive. They generally sound like a slowed down version of a tarantella, as they encompass
many of the same melodic phrases. The pastorale on the zampogna can be played by a
solo zampogna player, or in some regions can be accompanied by the piffero (also
commonly called a ciaramella, pipita, or bifera), which is a primitive key-less double reed
oboe type instrument.

Sławomir Żurczak kl. III TI

 Cicha noc (Polski) Silent night (Angielski)

Cicha noc, święta noc, Silent night, holy night

Pokój niesie ludziom wszem.
A u żłobka Matka Święta
Czuwa sama uśmiechnięta,
Nad Dzieciątka snem,
Nad Dzieciątka snem.
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Nowogrecki Rumuński

Agia nehta se prosmenoun Sfant lacas, tainic lacas,

Me hara e hresteane Totul doarme in oras.
Kai me peste anemnoume Doar in stal langa iesle slavind
To theo dozologoume Stau Maria si Iosif veghiind
Me ena soma mea psehe Pruncul sfant preamarind,
Me ena soma mea psehe Pruncul sfant preamarind

Some traditional recipes

Beetroot soup (Barszcz wigilijny)

The recipe earliest date to the sixteenth century. There are two recipes from the
classic “barszcz” – a lean Christmas and the other on the basis of meat broth
for Easter. Both versions are prepared on the basis of pure natural beet.Cut
beets into slices washed and peeled. Arrange in a jar and fill the jar with warm
water (water should cover beets). One can ask above a slice of bread (which speeds up the
process). Cover the jar with a gauze pad and let stand in a warm place. After four to five
days to remove the foam that forms on the surface and put the liquid in bottles. The bottles
can be kept closed for several months.”Barszcz” Christmas is prepared basis of vegetable
broth without cabbage (celery, parsley, carrots, leeks, onions). Cook the vegetables with
beet 4 peeled and cut into slices. Add a few grains of black pepper and a laurel leaf.
Separately cook 50 – 80 g of dried mushrooms. Skip two broths to the colander and mix.
Now we add a dose of yeast beets (1 1 / 2 l broth – 1 / 2 l leaven). Bring to a boil and stop.
To get an even more beautiful color can add beet juice or flood. Then add salt, pepper
(possibly a pinch of sugar or lemon juice). You can add garlic.Traditionally, it accompanies
the “barszcz” by the “uszka” – “little ears” (recipe below). It takes 6 to 8 ears per person. Put
small ears cooked in the vessel and pour on top of the hot soup.
“Ears” (uszka) for the beetroot soup
The dough: 150 g flour, 1 egg, 1 pinch salt. Knead the dough and flatten with the roll into a
very thin layer. Cut squares (4 x 4 cm or smaller). Ask a little joke on each square, fold the
square diagonally, paste the edges and then paste the two opposing angles of the triangle.
Put in boiling salted water. When they come to the surface – they are ready.The stuffing:
very finely chop the dried mushrooms cooked with broth has been added to the beet soup.
Chop a small onion, brown in the pan. Mix all the ingredients with 1 tablespoon of bread
crumbs and 1 egg. Add salt and pepper. The stuffing is ready.

Christmas soup with mushrooms

Put the casserole in 100 g of dried mushrooms and 2 litres of water warm
and bring to a boil over low heat. When the mushrooms are cooked, add
cabbage without vegetables (celery, carrot, parsley, onion), pepper, bay
leaf and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Pass soup colander, salt and add the
cooked mushrooms and cut into strips. Add chunks of
cooked lasagna before. You can add the cream.

Carp to the Polish in his gray sauce

It is a recipe for Christmas well known. There are several versions of this dish – one cited
below is the most characteristic for the kitchen of former Poland. It is also a dish that
requires work, but it’s worth being prepared for Christmas.Clean and cut into steaks a
beautiful carp (weightapprox. 1 kg). If the fish was alive, keep the blood
in a bowl or on a paid juice 1 / 2 lemon.Place fish in a pan, pour on top of
the broth prepared a little celery, cut into strips, 1 large onion, 1 cup red
wine, 1 lemon zest, a few grains of pepper, 1 / 3 of a spoon Coffee
ginger juice and 1 / 2 lemon. Place fish cooked on the hot plate, and
keep warm. Skip broth to the colander for a sauce finely mixed, add the
blood of carp (if it was), a glass of beer, 2 to 3 pieces of sugar, 1
tablespoon of jam prunes, 50 g Gingerbread based honey and grated
dry, gd’amandes cut into 50 pieces, 50 of raisins and 1 tablespoon butter
great. Cook the sauce over low heat 10 to 15 minutes, cool slightly, verify its taste and
napper fish in the dish.
For those who find this recipe too complicated, another traditional dish – ie:

The pike in the water to the former

It is also a traditional dish and if it serves two meals pike fish should be served first.Clean
and salt pike (weight approx. 1 kg). Prepare a vegetable broth (without cabbage), 1 large
onion, a few grains of pepper and a bay leaf. Put the pike in the whole fish, and then the
cold broth on top, bring to a boil. Bake 15 -20 minutes on low heat, covered. Keep
warm.Melt in a pan 50 g of butter. 3 Add finely chopped hard-boiled eggs and 1 tablespoon
of parsley. Do not fry, just heat.Ask the pike hot on a platter, pour the juice of 1 / 2 lemon
and dispose above the preparation of butter, egg and parsley. According connoisseurs it is
the most correct way to serve the pike to emphasize the distinct taste of this excellent
fish.You can also prepare the traditional dish as simple as follows:
 Carp panée as steaks
Clean carp, cut the steaks with salt and let stand 30 minutes. Pass each
steaks in flour, beaten egg and bread crumbs. Fry over medium heat the
butter. Put in the oven a few minutes to finish cooking. You can marry carp
to the sauerkraut with mushrooms.

The sauerkraut with mushrooms

This dish is a good example of the traditional Polish cuisine.1 kg
of sauerkraut (if it is too acidic, rinse through a sieve), 2 large
glasses of water. Bake. Separately, cook 50-80g dried
mushrooms in a small amount of water. The slice them and add
broth with her in sauerkraut cooked. Add 1 large chopped onion
and golden, and the roux prepared in a tablespoon of flour and 2
tablespoons of butter. Salt and pepper and cook a little while.

Sauerkraut (Pierogi)
Or sauerkraut and mushrooms
DOUGH: 350 g flour, 1 egg, approx. 1/2 glass of water, a pinch of salt
Prepare the stuffing according to the recipe.Pour the flour on a board,
make a hollow, add salt, egg, and a quantity of water to make a paste
quickly not too hard. Spread rolls with the small parties, the board
dusting of flour. Crop circles using a glass in order to put the most
possible meadows. Ask the stuffing on each round with a spoon, fold
each circle in half and glue the edges. Submit as on a floured board or a cloth. Use the
leftover dough to make the next part of “pierogi.” Bake a few minutes in boiling salted water.
Serve sprinkled with melted butter, possibly with an onion cut into cubes and browned.
STUFFING THE CHOUCROUTE: ok. 800 g of sauerkraut, 2 onions, oil, salt, pepper Cook
the cabbage in a small amount of water for 30 minutes. Peel and chop onions and brown.
Drain sauerkraut carefully, chop them finely, add the browned onions, salt, pepper and mix.
STUFFING THE CHOUCROUTE AND MUSHROOMS: approx. 800 g of sauerkraut, 100
grams of dried mushrooms, 2 onions, oil, salt, pepper Rinse mushrooms, soak for several
hours, cook in water soaking, drain. Mince. Cook the cabbage in a small amount of water
for 30 minutes. Peel and chop onions and brown. Drain sauerkraut carefully, chop them
finely, add the browned onions, mushrooms, salt, pepper and mix. Now something for
dessert.
The split poppy (Łamańce z makiem)
It is a traditional dessert prepared based poppy decorated by
long shortbread biscuits.Put a large glass poppy in a pan, add above 2
glasses of milk boiling and keep over low heat for 15 -20 minutes. Drain
through a colander. Crush the seeds when moving the poppy three times
by the meat chopper. Then add 2/3 glass of liquid honey, vanilla, 100 g
raisins soaked in rum before or cognac and 100 gd’amandes peeled and
chopped. If the preparation is too thick, add a little cream liquid. You can
add a small glass of good cognac. Then refrigerate. Before serving have
in a glass bowl and top with “broken”. The dough for broken (łamańce).
Knead the dough using 130 grams of flour, 60 g of butter, 30 g powdered sugar and 1 egg
yolk. Flatten roll. Cut 2 rectangles x 7 cm and cook in the oven.There is an alternative – the
dough “lean” – 120 g flour, 120 grams of sugar and 1 egg. Prepare as above.

The rolled in poppy (Makowiec)

The brioche dough: 300 grams of flour, 150 grams of sugar, 150 g of butter, 2 eggs (or 1
egg and 2 egg yolks), 1/2 cup of milk, 40 grams of baking yeast and a pinch of salt. Work
the butter with sugar to obtain a homogeneous mass. Add eggs in a, salt and yeast baking
diluted with milk. Finally, add the flour and knead the dough very carefully with her hand.
Cover with a towel and let stand in a warm place for at least one hour. Flatten the dough
then climb with the roll on a board sprinkled with flour by the shape of a rectangle. With the
brush move a layer of egg white (so that the stuffing glue well) and have the stuffing to
poppy regularly. Roll out the dough stick ends. Put butter in pan and let stand a little longer.
Bake in oven 45 -50 minutes. After cooking you can glaze the log. The farce poppy: Put the
casserole in 400 g of opium and pay above 1 litre of milk boiling. Keep
on low heat for 30 minutes. Drain through the sieve. Crush the seeds
when moving the poppy three – four times by the meat chopper. Melt in
a pan 150 g of butter, 3/4 of full glass of honey, add vanilla, 100
gd’amandes or chopped nuts, 150 grams of raisins, 1/2 cup of orange
peel fries sugar and chopped. Now add the poppy and cook a little
mixing. Cool. Add 3 to 4 egg yolks beaten with a glass of white sugar
and beaten in the remaining snow very firm. The taste will be further
refined if we add a glass of rum or cognac. Place the stuffing still
lukewarm on the dough.

The gingerbread nuts (Piernik)

The dough prepared with honey was known already by the ancient Slavs.
But the “discovery” of spices and yeast dough has turned into hard
gingerbread today. The most famous were the gingerbread Torun
Nuremberg and mussels cooked in beautifully carved. “Catherinettes” Torun
were known already in 1640. Components: 500 grams of flour, 250 grams of
sugar, 250 g of honey, 150 g walnuts, 4 to 5 eggs, 2 tablespoons of caramel
liquid (10 g brown sugar on the stove, add 2 to 3 tablespoons water, bring to
boiling), 1 teaspoon spices (cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg), 10 g of sodium
bicarbonate, 50 – 100 g butter. Work the butter, add the egg yolks, one by one, sugar, liquid
honey, baking soda, caramel, spices and half the flour.
Mounting white snow and put in the preparation by adding the remaining flour and chopped
nuts. Pour batter into the pan and bake in the oven. You can glaze gingerbread with
chocolate or fill with jam or cream chocolate.

Drink the christmas based on dry (Kompot)

For approx. 10 shares Components: 250 g dried fruit (prunes, apples,
pears, apricots, raisins, figs), a few cloves, cinnamon1/2 cup sugar, 2
1/2 litres water Soak fruit for a few hours. Add sugar, cloves, cinnamon
and cook slowly. Serve chilled in a large bowl.Prepared according to the
book “In the kitchen of old Poland” and “The Polish cuisine” And the site.

http://www.kuchnia.com.pl

BUŁGARIA
 Bulgarian Christmas

Festive atmosphere of Christmas Eve turns into Christmas night. In the past, carol
toured the houses and they blessed their owners with ritual songs and poems. In places
this tradition has remained up till now.

Bulgarian ritual tradition associated with Christmas Eve and Christmas, is rich and
varied. Preparing for them starts three weeks earlier. Carol groups of young boys and men
until around 20-22 years collected in the Christmas mentor to learn Christmas songs and
blessings. Mothers, wives, daughters and sons, grandparents think how to make a gift to
your loved ones ...

In all Christian nations, there are three common elements of the Christmas
celebration: Yule log, Christmas tree and Christmas gifts. Christmas Yule log is a Christian
symbol of light. Master cut thick pear tree stump - "Yule log", which ignites the night in the
hearth and should burn continuously throughout the night. In places Yule log is lit yet
Ignazhden and keep burning up large Christmas. According to legend burning Yule log kept
by the household makes, horses and other demonic creatures that roam at will, from
Christmas to Voditsa. Embers and ashes of the Yule log is maintained throughout the year.

Christian tradition of Christmas tree began five centuries ago in the French region of
Alsace and from there spread throughout Europe. It reminds us in his own way, that Jesus
Christ is the tree of life, around which gather all believers in him. Christmas tree made on
Christmas Eve to Epiphany remains. It is introduced in the Bulgarian tradition of December
24, 1879. On Christmas Day is celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ.
Gifts that they exchange in the family, relatives and friends at Christmas is also an
ancient custom. In festive day everyone wanted to please their loved ones with special
care, which translates into a donation of property that long to remind holiday.
 At Christmas, families visit. And while the Christmas Eve meal is meatless, the
Christmas table is meat. Prepare ritual fresh bread, pastry with meat or cheese, grilled liver,
pastarma, cabbage with black pudding, pork with leeks, roasted chicken, pork fried in bite.
While Ignazhden is considered the source of the Christmas
holidays, the actual holiday - Christmas, coincides with the winter solstice period. This
milestone in nature determines the wealth of festive rituals and its place in the folk calendar.
This Christian festival marks the beginning of the new solar year and is filled with
predictions for the future, with magic acts, to ensure fertility and family prosperity. The day
before Christmas is called "Little Christmas" and the eve of the holiday - "Christmas Eve".
Of Christmas in every home is slaughtered sacrificial Christmas pig. Christmas is
celebrated three days. On the first names of all persons with Christo and Christina
celebrating nominal day, and the third, which is in honor of St. protomartyr Archdeacon
Stephen, and celebrate those who bear his name.

Church dedicates Christmas evening service on December 24 and morning of December

25.

Silvia Angelova, Dobrich, Bulgaria

Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is a beautiful evergreen tree, decorated with colorful toys and bright
lights. Traditionally at Christmas tree. Traditionally decorated Christmas tree on December
24 and stay until 6 January. Decorated and lit Christmas tree itself has an aura, which fills
the air with warmth love and joy, that symbolize the decorated with candles, balls, garlands,
neon light and must appear a shining star on top.
 Slavena Kurteva, Dobrich, Bulgaria

Christmas

Christmas is one of the most holy and beloved family holidays. Celebration of happiness,
peace and joy, of dreams and desires, of hope for a new, better beginning. Little and big
expect the evening with a thrill and excitement surrounded by loved ones.

The feast is on 25, 26, 27 December. 40-day fast ending, as the morning of December 25th
is going to church for the purification and only after that can be consumed meat.

Dishes for festive dinner :

• Loaf
• Pork Chops
• Stuffed cabbage leaves with minced meat
• Sausages , Blood Sausages and Fillets
• Meatballs
• Pumpkin Pay
• Fruits

Martin Michov
Dobrich, Bulgaria
Christmas Eve

Nativity is one of the

greatest religious holidays
in the Christian world.
Him Christians celebrate

Orthodox Christians celebrate

Christmas with equally solemn
Easter. When Catholics and
Protestants Christmas is the most
revered holiday. Nativity is one of

In Bulgaria, Christmas is a holiday for

Christmas Eve celebrations - the last
day of Lent, which starts at midnight
with the custom. It features Christmas
- men - bachelors betrothed and
younger, soon married men.

IRENA -
BULGA
RIA
 Grecja

Christmas in Greece

In Greece when we talk about the "holidays" we are referring to the holiday period of
Christmas and New Year .

Traditionally the Christmas holiday period lasts 12 days in Greece. There are many
customs associated with the "twelve day of Christmas," some very old and others relatively
recent, like the decorated tree and the Christmas-day table.

Christmas traditions in crete and Greece

Christmas in Greece, or "the holidays," are not what they were 40 years ago. Over the
years we notice a universal culture developing as the western European customs spread
more and more change. In some cases, it caused the elimination of local customs in certain
areas - even entire countries.

Today Christmas in Greece appears more impressive, glossier and more glamorous. Store
windows are decorated almost a month in advance, and in the cities the streets and town
squares are lit with colourful lights. Also, many people now travel either abroad or around
Greece to places which offer winter holidays.

Greeks will party at clubs, at bouzoukia, which have almost disappeared in Crete, or stay at
home and watch some impressive holiday show on television. But on Christmas Day, all
family members gather at the festively set dinner table.

ALSOO….
 The christmas tree in Greece

Today almost everyone buys and decorates a Christmas tree in Greece, whether it be real
or artificial. Usually they are decorated a few days before Christmas and remain in the
homes until Epiphany.

The Christmas tree, assumed to be foreign, may even have some Greek roots. Use of
decorated greenery and branches around New Year is recorded as far back as in Greek
antiquity.

In older times, this custom did not exist in Crete and in some other parts of Greece they
would decorate little boats instead.

In this photo you can see a Christmas tree and a Christmas boat displayed in a central
square of Thessaloniki, northern Greece.

Finally all Greeks love Christmas because is a habit which unite all of us.

Magda Assimakopoulou

Christmas habit in Grecce

The singing of Christmas carols is a custom which is preserved

in its entirety to this day.

Children still go from house to house in twos or more singing

the carols, while accompanied by the sounds of the triangle,
even guitars, accordions, lyres or harmonicas.
 Christmas preparations

As Christmas drew near, preparations began so

all would be ready for the big holiday. Houses
would be cleaned with extra care, and a few days
before Christmas housewives would prepare the
Christmas cookies, which would be eaten on
Christmas Day when the fasting ended.

In the past the honey cookies (melomakarona)

were made exclusively for Christmas, while sugar
cookies, or kourabiedes (kourabiethes, th as in
this), were prepared for the New Year. Today,
though, that distinction is not observed and both melomakarona and kourabiedes are
prepared and consumed during the Christmas and New Year holidays period.

Kalikantzaroi

Kalikantzaroi, or the Greek Christmas Sprites, are small blackish and hairy creatures, with
long arms and tail, who reside in the bowels of the earth.

Kalikantzaroi are nasty

With a big saw, they compete to cut down the huge wooden stake which holds the earth in
place. But the column is very thick and the sawing seems to go on forever.

Right before Christmas, however, Kalikantzaroi almost accomplish their mission and the
column seems ready to fall. Overjoyed by their almost successful effort, but also fearful that
the earth will topple over on their heads, they rush to the top to bother and annoy the
people.

Thousands of these creatures come up to the surface from

every hole or crack they can find. However, Kalikantzaroi are
very much afraid of the light, so they hide during the day. But at
night - that's when they strike! As soon as it's dark, they
scramble from their hiding places to taunt and menace people.
Because Kalikantzaroi are small, some even very tiny, they can
get into the homes through chimneys, keyholes, even from the
little cracks on windows and doors.

Kalikantzaroi enjoy lollygagging around in places like oil vats,

frying pans, oily pots and dishes, and they really get a kick out
of soiling food with their filthy fingernails and leaving their
excrement all over the place. About the only good thing that
can be said about these nasty pests is that they never steal anything - oh, but what a mess!

Kalikantzaroi, their history

Their name Kalikantzaros (singular of Kalikantzaroi) comes from the adjective, kalos,
meaning good, and kantharos, the word for beetle. The beginning of the myth regarding the
Christmas Sprites can be found in ancient times. The people of that time believed that when
the souls in Hades found the door open they would come up to our world and make the
rounds among people without any restrictions.

Much later the Byzantines celebrated with music, song and masquerading. Because the
people hid their faces they were shameless and behaved boldly. They would bother people
on the street, and go into the homes uninvited, pestering the people by continuously asking
for sausages and sweets. The homeowners would slam the doors and shut the windows,
but the persistent masqueraders would always find a point of entry - like coming down the
chimney.

All this activity would occur during the 12 days of Christmas and on the Epiphany. Then,
after the big sanctification all would become calm again as the people settled back down
into their normal routine.

Kalikantzaroi disappear during the celebration of the lights, after the waters are blessed by
the priests. As those pesky little creatures depart, you can hear them saying: "Leave we
shall, because the crazy priest has arrived with his incense burner and his holy water
sprinkler . . ."

Vasilina Andriopoulou

WE LOVE CHRISTMAS
 Christ bread

In Greek Christmas, the feast itself becomes the

main attraction by both adults and children alike.
Lamb and pork are roasted in ovens and open spits,
and on almost every table are loaves of 'christopsomo'
(Christ bread'). This bread is usually made in large
sweet loaves of various shapes and the crusts are
engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the
family's) profession.

Greek Christmas Roast Turkey and Chestnut Stuffing

Stuffing Ingredients:
turkey giblets - heart and liver
1 onion, finely chopped
150 grms tomato paste

1/2 tspn ground cloves

1/2 tspn ground cinnamon
100grms pine nuts, finely chopped
10-15 boiled and skinned chestnuts
200grms of coarsely grated parmesan cheese
1/2 kilo long grain rice
salt & pepper

Method:
Fry the chopped onion in a little oil until golden. Add the coarsely chopped giblets and fry
for a few minutes. Mix in all the remaining ingredients and stir until well blended together.
Stuff the turkey with this mixture and secure both ends of the turkey to prevent the stuffing
from falling out. Wrap in foil and roast in the oven until ready. The length of time will depend
upon the weight of the turkey with the stuffing included. Normally allow 20 minutes per 1/2
kilo and 20 minutes extra. Uncover the foil for the last half hour to brown the turkey breast.
In Greece, a traditional Christmas dinner always finishes with
a selection of biscuits. Part of this selection are melomakaronas which are small honey,
orange and cinnamon flavoured biscuits which are made in this way:

Recipe for 10-20 biscuits:

• 1 cup of butter
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 kg self raising flour
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon clove, crushed
• zests of 2 oranges
• 1 teaspoon bread soda
• 1 Greek yogurt
• 1 cup walnut, chopped

For the syrup:

• 2 cups caster sugar

• 3 cups water
• 3 cups honey
• 1 lemon juice
• few chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cinnamon stick

Cream the butter. Add the olive oil, spices, sugar, soda bread, yogurt and orange zest. Bind
all these ingredients and add the flour and walnuts. Knead this dough well and form some
small croquette shape biscuit with dough. Place them on a greased and floured oven tray
and bake them at 190 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes. Meanwhile put all the ingredients
for the syrup in a sauce pan. Bring them to the boil and allow to cook for 10 minutes at a
gentle simmer. Allow to cool for a while. When the melomakarona are cooked and have
been allowed to cool down for a while and soak them in the syrup once. Then add 1 1/2 cup
of water to the syrup left over and plunge them a second time in this lighter syrup. Place
them on a pastry rack and sprinkle your biscuits with some ground cinnamon and chopped
walnuts.
 Rumunia – Busteni

“The Holy Lord of the age would come to this world

in poverty, in a manger”

Since I was a little girl, around Christmas, my mother used to tell me a story :
“Up there, in those times, in the beautiful Galileea, there was a beautiful maiden, whose
name was Mary. One day Mary was standing alone and praying. Suddenly, what could the
people see ? The entire house got so lit as if the entire sun was inside. Angel Gabriel had
gotten into the maiden’s holy house and told her : Mary, don’t be afraid, because you will be
the one who will give birth to Mesia ! The Son of Father will he be, and His name Jesus !”
I was trying to imagine this thing, this light, and to uncover the mystery of that light and that
Angel.
Then we would sing carols and it seemed as if the house became merrier, the spirit of
Christmas began to be felt. We used to look through the window and see so many
snowflakes falling, which on the ground made a clear white blanket.
On Christmas Eve we used to go to church and I remember I was very impressed as I was
watching the poor manger where the Holy Child slept. All I could hear around me were
carols sung in a very special way by the choire of the church. Nothing was usual anymore
in those days.
The Christmas holiday was spreading the richness of its divinity above all the beings on the
earth...

Funieru Gabriela Emanuela, Busteni, ROMANIA

 ~ Poveste de Crăciun ~

Stars of snowflakes glimmer outside,

the clouds take revenge and sift the dizzy
snowflakes, because everyone is expecting
Christmas as if it doesn’t come anymore,
because poor Santa is forgetting…
With the broken sleigh, the tired and
hungry reindeers, the elves dozing because
of the warmth of the hot stove, Santa didn’t
care it was the morning of the Christams
Eve, that Christmas was coming and he
kept sipping the hot boiled wine of his glass.
He was looking at the ice flowers which
formed on the window, at the snowflakes
which were flying to the earth and at the
stags which had come to drink water from the quiet spring near his house.
His age was speaking the truth and as he was enjoying his boiled wine his thoughts
were wondering chaotically through his mind… to the time he was young, a very long time
ago. And with his dreams and whispers, the morning was keeping him prisoner as in a
stolen shell, and the pearl inside it was freezing.
Santa was thinking and thinking but he didn’t know either if it was dream or not. He
was lying heavily like a mountain of grey hair and beard as if a tree is dead and its leaves
are falling. But he woke up as he heard, as in a dream, a poor child with ripped clothes who
had an empty plate on the table because the poor parents had nothing to feed him… but he
kept preparing for Christmas an old carol which his mother liked very much. And so,
Santa’s heart started to fill with joy.
Then, Santa woke up from his dream, he put the glass of wine aside and he started
giving orders to the skillful elves: to make toys, to prepare sweets and repair the sleigh…
and to feed and give water to the reindeers, so that they could set off immediately sharing
presents.
As the bells of the sleigh were ringing and joyful songs could be heard, through high
mountains Santa’s grey hair could be seen. Santa left home on roads which under the
blanket of snow seem so narrow in order to give the wished presents, the much beloved
toys, luck and riches and a good year to all the houses, to old and young people.
Snow is falling on the ground and a merry atmosphere surrounds the world. Children
are singing carols and having fun and they are shouting happily “Christmas is coming!”
Now I sit and wonder what would have happened if Santa Clause hadn’t woken up?
Because one cannot buy joy and innocence and the old traditions cannot be ignored.
And so, Santa Clause keeps the tradition going, because there is no way back.

Necula Demmis cls a X-a A

Colegiul “Ion Kalinderu” – Buşteni, ROMANIA
 Cristmas fantasy in Romania

It’s winter in Romania. The snowflakes are falling down from the sky like little pieces
of magic. It’s kind of cold but this fact doesn’t stop the kids to feel the great atmosphere of
the winter. Christmas is coming soon and people all across the country are expecting it. In
my country the Christmas is celebrating a little bit different from a region to another.
Romania is a country with rich tradition. In this part of the world the folkloric tradition
is ancient and it’s still alive even today. Here, the people are so involved in the Winter
Traditions, that all the collective in the country take part, even the little kids, who are
determined by their parents to participate at these holidays.
In the Eve night, blushing childs share the holly message of birth of Jesus Christ.
This is the first night of Winter Holidays. Tomorrow will be the greatest holiday in the year.
The day of 26 december is expected by the all childrens in the world. Santa Claus is
spreading the Christmas spirit in the the air, in the water, and in our houses.
Romania is a country with a lot of tradition. The Christmas means the reason, the
holiday, the spirit which makes us fell much good and makes us forget our problems.
Marry Christmas to all !, and so we like to say here “Craciun fericit!”

Grosu Razvan cls a IX a

Colegiul “Ion Kalinderu”, Busteni, ROMANIA

It`s time for Christmas!

For a lot of people, Christmas is the most beautiful holiday. So is it for me because
there is a certain magic in this celebration which makes you a better person, which
guarantees your happiness. Perhaps magic consist in gifts or perhaps in stories with Santa
Clause.
I cannot know where the magic comes from… Perhaps this mystery intensifies it
more and more. Maybe I should not seek an answer which is already inside my soul.
Everyone has heard stories with the famous Santa Clause who gives presents to
good children. Our parents had the habit to “threaten” us that if we made something wrong
in this period of time , Santa Clause will not come with the long awaited gifts and so , they
managed to make us obedient.
Over time I had the big disappointment to find out that Santa Clause who we were
waiting for every year and who I was seeing in every decoration about Christmas and in all
the books , is actually an image , a mirage of childhood.
Even if Santa Clause doesn`t exist, everyone should believe in him… what would be
Christmas without Santa Clause and his flying reindeers? Where would be the magic if
Santa Clause didn`t exist?
There is one more detail which increases the magic atmosphere of Christmas: the
Christmas tree. How beautiful it is to stay on Christmas Eve and decorate a Christmas tree
with lights, globes and other decorations, listening to carols or receiving ministrels. I don`t
think that in this world there could be a person who doesn`t receive the holiday of Jesus`s
birth with his heart opened.
 Christmas is an unique holiday, the most magical of all
of them. It is a holiday of offering, of childhood, of peace and love.
Regardless of age , all of us should go to sleep on Christmas Eve with the idea that
on that night the well known Santa Clause with come from Lapland , with his sledge drawn
by flying reindeers, will enter through the chimney and will leave a gift for everyone under
the beautiful decorated Christmas tree.
Dreaming doesn`t cost us anything. Anyone could afford a magic moment lived with
a childish intensity in this period of Christmas.
Open your heart and receive the celebration of Christmas. Let`s become children
again and live on maximum intensity every magic moment of Christmas.

Lazaroiu Andreea, Busteni, ROMANIA

My childhood`s christmas

I remember when I was five and the feeling I had that time seeing the first
snowflakes or feeling the first cold. That feeling is still there, only I have changed. Now I still
have the same feeling but it is seen through a
teenager `s eyes. When I was five, the only thing that I could think about when I first saw a
snowflake was Santa Clause and his gifts, but now, at 17, I think about winter in a different
way. My wings have been taken the day my best friend told me Santa was just a fairytale.
Of course I refused to believe her.
I will always remember that day of 24th December
1998, The Christmas Eve. It was a perfect one, the snow was
good for sleigh, the weather was cold, the city was lit and
small snowflakes were falling from the sky like angels
blessing every moment and making every second magic. I
really felt that there was some kind of magic; a special
emotion captured me and seduced me in some kind of a
spell.
Although that emotion dragged me into dreaming, my
mind was somewhere else. Few days before, more exactly
on the 6th December 1998, (when the Romanian people
celebrate Saint Nicholas, who also brings presents as Santa
but doesn`t have a face, he is just a spirit), the worst thing in
my life happened. My grandmother died. She was feeling
very well, enjoying with me the gifts Saint Nicholas had brought and all of a sudden she
passed out. I got scared and went to my parents. They went to hospital and left me home
with a neighbour. I was confused, unable to understand what had happened. Before that, I
had had a cat who got sick and I took care of it until it couldn`t make it no more. But I
understood that, because it fought death and tried to go on and then it died, but my
grandma had simply died. I couldn`t understand that than, neither can I today.
On the 24th December, the same year, I was playing with the snowflakes in the
garden trying to make a Snowman. I was happy. The only regret I had was that my granny,
like I used to call her, wasn`t there to be happy with me. That night I was supposed to
receive the presents from Santa; I was looking forward for the
midnight to come and receive my gifts. The only thing I wanted was my granny and I was
thinking that if on 6th December Saint Nicholas took her, maybe he had a job for her, who
knows? Maybe he needed help and he” borrowed” my grandma for a few days. The only
idea that came into my mind at that moment was that granny left with him to take my
presents and she will come with them on the 24th. I was imagining her with Santa on his
sleigh, in the air, and how Rudolf with his red nose comes racing in the night to sit under
my Christmas tree and how I was passing from Santa`s arms into my grandmother`s. That
was my idea of gift, my idea of happiness.
I remember I sat on my back and started to move
my hands and legs, to make an angel. I closed my eyes
and I really felt like I was there, with them. Suddenly
someone took my hand. I panic and I started to cry. My
mum didn`t hear me because she was in the kitchen
cooking, but when I calmed down I opened my eyes widely
and saw it. It was a little man with big ears, dressed up in
green, you know like in granny`s stories. She once told me
they are called elves and they are Santa`s reliefs. I knew I
wasn`t dreaming because I was no more beside the
Christmas tree and it all seemed very real. He asked me one thing: << Will you come with
me?>>. Even if my mother always told me not to talk to strangers, my grandma said that
elves are very kind and gentle and that they are good… I could say people, but I don`t know
what they are, so I went. He took me in his arms and we flew away. I couldn`t keep my
eyes open because I was scared. So when I felt like I was on safe ground I opened them.
<< Surprise!>>. That was the first thing I have heard and you will not believe who it
came from.
It was Rudolf the red- nosed reindeer with Santa Clause and my beloved granny. I thought:
<< I know grandma told me to be careful with what I wish because it may come true, and
then she passed away, I wished her to come back and she didn`t and after that my friend
told me Santa was just a fairytale. My mind was like my toy room: full and messy. She
came to me and said:
“ I know you think this can`t be true, but I promise you it is.”
As I always trusted her I believed her and so I said:
“We have to go tell mom, she will be so happy to see that you`re back, she misses you so
much. We have to tell her. It`s Christmas! Now I believe in Christmas magic.
“ I am not back, kid. I just wanted to show you that what I have always said is true. I know
that the only desire you had this Christmas was to have me back and so I talked to Santa.
You know, where I am now I can talk to anyone.”
“ Really? Can you talk to Cinderella and tell her that her step mother is bad and warn her
about that? Please, granny!”
“Ok, kid. I promise you! Now I have to go to warn Cinderella. Tell your mother that I love her
and I am waiting for you here.”
“ Where granny? Tell me and we`ll come straight away!”
“No, kid. Everything in its time. You`ll discover alone. I love you.”
“ I love you too granny. Goodbye Santa, thank you for the gift
you made me. See you next year. Goodbye Rudolf. Elf, please take me home, I can`t wait
to see mom.”

The elf brought me back home.

by Madalina Licu, Busteni ROMANIA

One special day in winter

Merry Christmas
Now, at the end of the holiday, I remember the Christmas
Eve. The 24 of December is a very important day for us. On this day
the majority of people decorate their houses more and more
beautifully and, of course, the Christmas Tree. Thousands of small
and big multicoloured lights are shining, giving a gleam of hope to
the entire house, so we should be very happy, especially kids who
receive many presents.
Because the old people say that this is a magic night, kids
write letters to Santa Clause before that moment and when comes
on that bright and shiny night they prepare for Santa cookies and hot
milk and they put them near the Christmas Tree. Them, every child
is prepared for sleep and waits for Santa. In the morning they are
curious about their presents. They know that he’s a good man and if
they were good all the year, Santa will give them nice present.
Surely, this is a legend or a story known by all kids, but I remember very well the day
when I learned that Santa Clause was not real and my presents were brought by my
parents. One of my older neighbours said it to me just when I was happy because I had
finished the letter. That news upset me and I prefered to consider that I was dreaming. But
step by step I began to wake up and I had to accept the reality.
I remember that when I was just a little girl I didn’t know how to write very well and
then I drew what I wanted from Santa. Every year I put a little love in every word of the
letter. My mother used to take my letters and promised me to put them to the post office,
but I was never able to understand her secret smile.

For me the most attractive gifts are those I do not expect. I felt it on my skin. I think I
was eleven or twelve years old when my parents took me to a Christmas show at my
father’s work so I would leave the Christmas tree alone. In all this time Santa should put my
gifts under my Christmas tree but he was represented by my grandparents. Probably they
were part of Santa’s team. Back home I was very surprised to see how those many boxes
were all around the Christmas tree. I started immediately to open the boxes and discover
my presents from ‘Santa’. I had asked for a small toy but instead I got a new computer, and
of course candies, chocolate and other sweets. I was very, very happy when I installed the
new toy in my bedroom. After a few weeks my mother said to
me that my smile was larger than before.
Even if I grew up I still believe in the Christmas spirit and I’m still waiting for Santa
Clause with his big red bag.

Andreea Radulescu, ROMANIA, Busteni

Perfect gift

Every year during the winter holiday, every man is accustomed to offer gifts to his loved
ones. Each of us should think that on Christmas night, Santa Clause passes from house to
house and puts under your beautiful Christmas tree a gift. Generally the kids have sent
letters to ask for these gifts.
David, a skinny little boy of 5 years old, with brown hair and green eyes, weshes very
much to ask for a present to Santa Clause in person. The boy heard a lot of stories about
Santa at school, on TV, from his mum and dad and he knows that Santa is an old men with
long and white beard, who on Christmas night goes from house to house to all the people
in his sledge pulled by rendeers, and he belives in those he heard, but his biggest wish was
to meet him.
Eventually two days before Christmas David wrote a letter to Santa where he asked him
that year instead of gifts to apper in person. When he finised the letter as the custom is, he
put it at the window for Santa to see it and take it.
In those two days, the little boy was waiting anxiously for the Christmas night to came,
hoping thet his wish would come true.
Finelly the day before Christmas came. It was about 7:00 o`clock whit some mother`s
magazines , very anxious for Santa Clauses to came when he found his letter in one of this.
Sad and dissappomted , thinking thet his wish would never be accomplished, he went to
sleep and on thet night he had the most beautiful dream ever.
He dreamed that while he was walking to the ski-slope with his sledge he saw his letter
down in the snow. He bended to take it up and , at the moment, he felt dizzy. Next, he
found himself in a house which didn`t seen a normal one at all.
In moment when he has senses and he looked around him he found , in a corner of the
room next a fireplace , an old men who seem perfect with whom he belived, was Santa
Clause.
He urged David to submit to him and he pulled him protector on his leg. The boy was left
speechless but then Santa said:
-I read your letter and I see your big wish to meet me, my darling.
David surprised not find words to answer him.
- Now that you are here you can tell me what you want that year for Christmas?
The boy, shy, has responded slowly:
-I wish to know the world and the job of santa Clause.
In that moment is hearing some voices and then Santa said him not to scare because they
are just his assistants. Than some elves as height at David appeared at the door.When
they saw David in the arms of Santa, you can reas in their faces satisfaction, like they knew
 what would happened. NowSanta ask them if his sledge and
rendeers are ready to go and they answer yes to him.
On hearing these words in David also appearded fear of the unknown and happiness
because him dream will came true.
Said and done, both have climbed in the sledge and they have started off, because follow
a long night. Above all , Santa Clause has showed David the born of Jesus Christ in stable
and the three Wisemen who came to Him with gifts. Next both were in every house and
they left presents for everyone, they read together the letters of children and they traveled
around the world.
At a time , David asked Santa what can do to become him Santa Clause. Santa answer him
gently that for that he need to pass some levels, but if he want to came and help him for
Christmas with presents he must just to want that and it came true. After many houses,
David asleep in arms of Santa.
The next morning, when he woke up he not realise if all was dream or reality, but whatever
it was he would hope to continue, because this thing makes him very happy. After all he
realised that it was a real dream, when on his pillow he found his letter . From that morning
David always said all that his biggest wish is to become Santa Clause.
So every year David help Santa Clause with presents , being the best assistant ever, until
he will become Santa Clause.

Petrescu Eveline clasa XII C

For all of you , winter is not just the freezing season of snow, but also the season of joy for the
customs and traditions connected to the holiday of the birth of Christ.
This holiday represents one of the most awaited moments of the
year, bothe by the family and especially the children. Christmas blooms in the heart of every
person, all the people gather around the tree and wait for the ministrels’ wishes. These songs are
dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ. Then, the ministrels are repaid with fruit or different sweet
things cooked in the house.
I think that we all have managed to find the true value of these songs, by trying more or less to
sing them ourselves.
I also had the pleasure of singing carols in front of people who watch you and receive you with
open arms in their homes. I want to say that even if it was my first time, it seemed an extraordinary
thing to me. I would like to prove that I’m going to present this magnificent small part of my life.
Everything started with my curiosity of involving myself in these customs. Me and my best friend
decided together to step into this magnificent world, but not in an ordinary way. We had to do
something special, different from the regular ministrels. So, we agreed to make two childish
tresses of our hair, to wear countryside jackets and to put some blush onto our cheeks in order to
look like two countryside girls. So, we were ready to go for it. The first house was for me a new
gate towards overcoming my shyness. Although we were both very nervous, we managed to sing
beautifully the songs we had prepared. The hospitality of those people was enormous. They were
happy to receive us and before we left, they insisted to take a picture of us. They gave us different
things: nuts, oranges, sweets and a sponge cake whose taste I can feel even now. It was
delicious!
We walked a long way under the moonlight through the snow with snowflakes melting upon our
cheeks. I cherish these memories a lot and I wish this holiday will never go away.
I don’t think there could be anyone who doesn’t love Christmas, especially because it is the
perfect occasion to be reunited with your family, to forget about troubles and to forgive. This
holiday brings peace and quiet to every corner of our existence.
Since then, I have the chance to take part every year at these customs, because I was elected by
an extraordinary teacher to be part of a choire with wonderful people. Having this opportunity I
could accomplish many things, but the one which made me the happiest was when I could see
on a child’s face the happiness of hearing a carol for the first time. It is very important for me to
accomplish something beautiful which would last forever. I am sure no one can forget the image
of some peolpe who sing so beautifully to you.
Together with this choire I could step beyond my native town. Although tehwinters have been
rether chilly this didn’t stop us from making ends meet. It is such a wonderful thing to be able to
visit so many peolpe in just one evening. We didn’t forget about some teachers, who, of course,
received us open-heartedly, people who have guided us through life and still do that. It is a way
of thanking them for everything they have done for us. It is important to wish to repay for the help
you received and this is what Christmas is about.
Ater every night we sang carols I was relieved that I had the opportunity to fill houses with joy and
warmth.
Every year we will try to become better and accomplish more and more.

Rumunia – Drobeta
Christmas is coming.

Outside it`s snowing, it`s cold and the snow seems to cover up everythin, all is white.

One can only see big and soft snowflakes falling from the sky.

Children are making a giant snowman.All is cowered in snow and the trees look like ghosts
coming from another dimension.

It`s the Christmas Eve, we are decorating the tree, children are bouncing around the tree
with golden decorations and they are looking forward to Santa Claus.

The lights of the houses in my area are looking like a landing strip for Santa claus.

The Christmas holidays are those time that make you happy even if you are old or poor
because we are all God’s children and He loves us all the same

Merry Christmas
Ho, ho, ho!

Pacala Cosmin
Drobeta Turnu Severin,
ROMANI

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
 In Romania, one of the most important celebrations, which is fully-
blown since the middle of December, is Christmas. In my country,
Christmas has a unique variety of customs, traditions and believes.
One that has kept on going for ages and is dedicated to Christmas
and adults nonetheless, is the caroling or colindatul in our
language. Traditionally, during the first hours after dark on
Christmas Eve is the time for children to go caroling and the adults
to stay home and greet them. As they go caroling from house to
house, the children receive treats like candy, fruit, baked treats
and sometimes even money in appreciation of their performance.
In other parts of the country, adults go themselves or with the
children to caroling, in large groups, with a chosen leader. When they are in the front yard
of a house, they perform their repertory to the host. The songs are always accompanied by
dance. When the performance is over, the host invites the carolers inside the house for
food, drinks and presents.

Another important custom is the Star Carol or Steaua in Romanian. Children make a star
using colored paper and they put it its middle an icon of Jesus. Many of children decorate
their star using shiny tinsel. The “ Star Carol” is a tradition during the 3 days of Romanian
Christmas. While holding the star in the hands, the children sing: “The star has appeared on
high,/Like a big secret in the sky,/The star is bright,/May all your wishes turn out right…”
The “Goat” or “Capra” Tradition goes on throughout the
holiday season. The “Goat” is actually a usually boisterous
young person dressed up in a goat costume, which goes,
accompanied by other 3 or 4 persons, to caroling. The groups
dances through the streets and from door to door, often with
flute music. This tradition comes from the ancient Roman
people and it reminds us of the celebration of the ancient
Greek gods. This custom is also called “brezaia” in Wallachia
and Oltenia, because of the multicolored appearance of the
goat mask. The goat jumps, turns round and bends, clattering
regularly the wooden jaws.
The “Bear” or “Ursul” custom is known only in Moldavia and it
happens on Christmas Eve. In this case, a young person dresses up in a bear costume
adorned with red tassels on its ears, on his head and
shoulders. The person wearing the bear costume is
accompanied by fiddlers and followed by a whole
procession of characters, among them a child dressed-up
as the bear’s cub. Inspired by the crowd’s singing
(“Dance well, you old bear,/And I’ll give you bread and
olives”), the bear grumbles and imitates the steps of the
bear, striking strongly against the earth with the soles of
its feet to the sound of drums and pipes.

Geanovu Emanuel
Drobeta Turnu Severin, ROMANIA

For Romanians, the winter holidays, especially the Christmas holidays are real soul
celebrations. Romanians celebrate Christmas on December, 25th. On Christmas day Jesus,
Our Saviour, was born.
The memories from our childhood coming back to our minds and souls, the rich snow
portending rich harvest, carols and bell jingles, the fresh fir tree fragrance, as well as
cakes, children looking forward to the presents under the Christmas tree – all these create
a magic atmosphere, bringing peace and love.
From St. Nick (6th December) to St John (7th January) Romanians celebrate. The most
beloved celebration is Christmas. People created traditions and customs in time which still
survive to the present days.
On the 20th December we celebrate –Ignat, when we sacrifice the pig. On that day the
women of the houses make food from pork and they serve the guests who come to their
houses. This meal is called “the pig’s alms”.
Another important celebration is going caroling – singing, dancing and reciting. On
Christmas Eve, groups of carolers go from house to house to wish the house owners
health, prosperity and happiness.
Besides the religious carols, there are also old laic carols, such as the Goat, the Bear of the
Horses.
The carolers are expected in clean houses and beautifully decorated and they are offered
cakes, nuts, sweets or money. The adults are invited to drink hot brandy, hot wine and to
eat cakes.

Tudoroniu Violeta
“Lorin Salagean” Technical College
Drobeta-Turnu-Severin, ROMANIA
Romanian Christmas Traditions
Holidays and folk customs, grouped around the winter solstice (December 20 to January 7),
bears the generic name of winter holidays. The period is open and closed briefly, the Eve
holidays, Christmas, and Epiphany, and intersecting in the middle of New Year. The main
celebrations of the winter cycle are - Christmas, New Year, Epiphany - worked over time as
moments of renewal independent of time and the beginning of the year

Cutting pork: A few days before Christmas ˝Ignat˝, the pig slaughter takes place. It takes
place on Ignat, on 20 December. The tradition in question is particularly respected in the
village, where everything takes place according to a ritual. Its origins date back to times
before Christianity, the latter accepting it as a natural part of the community life and also
giving it a spiritual significance such as prepared food can not be eaten until they have
been blessed by a priest.
 Christmas Tree

Christmas tree custom was borrowed from Western Europe. It is assumed that it actually
belongs to the German pagan world, where Christianity was gradually assimilated. In our
tradition of adornment of a tree or green branches only be met at the wedding (wedding
tree) or the death of a young man or girl. As usual at Christmas, was practiced by the late
nineteenth century by Germans who lived in towns. After World War I this practice has
spread throughout the country.

Caroling is a scenario comprised of ceremonial

texts (carols), hexes dances • gestures, played
indoors, the streets, a sacred mist. In the folk
calendar, this happens under different zonal winter
solstice periods. ("Star", "Plugusorul", "Sorcerer")
Starting today and ending with Christmas Ignat by
other parties since Christmas day and the other is
only getting used on the day of St. Basil, that boys
are no custom to walk with Turkey, goat or
weathercock. As in other games with masks applied
during the holidays, and goat in the game and have
made their way, besides classical masks (goat
shepherd, Gypsy), masks of demons and the estate
which, by yelling, shout funny movements, increase
the note of humor and fun, sometimes giving a
touch of the grotesque.
The game "goat" (killing, mourning, burial, resurrection) originally was, of course, a serious
ceremony, a religious element. In agrarian holidays meant the game became a ritual to
bring fruition next year, growth of animals in flocks shepherds, the success of crops - beans
invoked and evoked by the host is throwing over the procession of "goat".
It seems that it originated in the habits of the Romans and Greeks: either the games and
songs performed by the priests of pagan shrines around musicians disguised as beasts or
feasts given to honor the gods, or in satirical verses against the generals who won any
triumph or the vague memories of dances known to the Greeks under the name of birds of
prey.
Capra played by flute, and when finished, one of the lads, approaching the table where
family members begins to vorniceasca. Boys playing housewife, servant girls and even if
they are in the house, and then walks away thanking.

Caian Alexandra
“Lorin Salagean” Technical College
Drobeta Turnu Severin, Romania
Nowadays, one of the most beloved traditions is decorating the Christmas tree, which
usually takes place in the evening of Christmas Eve, when children are waiting for Santa
Claus.

From the stories told by our parents we find out that in the past the Christmas tree used to
be brought by Santa, when children were sleeping. Or, instead of Santa, all they could see
was the tree going underneath their windows.

The tinsel, the colourful balls what are shining in the candles’ light or the colourful changing
lights which seem to make the tree come to life, the star reminding us about Jesus’ birth –
staying quietly on the top of the Christmas tree, all seem to invite us to live with emotions
the birth of Jesus Christ, which happens on Christmas Eve.

There are many traditions related to Christmas in my country. In some places, when the
winter holidays are over, there is the custom of burning the Christmas tree before Epiphany,
when the houses must be clean for Jesus’ baptism. In that moment the nostalgia of the
Christmas disappears and the New Year is welcome from all the points of view.

Remescu Vasile
“Lorin Salagean” Technical College
Drobeta – ROMANIA

The Romanian holiday season is between December 24 and January 7 and the main parts
are Christmas days, New Year and Epiphany. Their most important feature is the unique
repertoire rich in customs and beliefs, artistic achievements in literature, music and dance.

The Christmas carols are specific to these days. Carols are sung by children, and they are
wishes of prosperity and good harvest. Some of the oldest Christmas carols include “The
Plow”, “The Sorcerer” and the masks games. Children also sing “The Star”.
These songs are some of the manifestations of people and they make the winter holidays
some of the most spectacular manifestations of the spirit of our people.

The singing of the carols usually opens the 12-day cycle of the winter holidays. The whole
village sings the traditional carols, although actually only the children and young men go
from house to house singing them. They are organized in groups which are made according
to a well-established hierarchy, with a leader and the members.

Everything that happens in this period must come from of a sign, and the carols are
characterized by an atmosphere full of optimism that fulfills people's desires and
aspirations. Sometimes, they reach the limits of the fabulous world.

Here we have an example of an old Christmas carol,

Three Shepherds

Three shepherds have met

Three shepherds have met
Sun’s Ray
Sun’s Flower

And they have decided

Let's go, brothers
Let's go, brothers
Sun’s Ray
Sun’s Flower

To pick flowers
And to make a crown
And to make a crown
Sun’s Ray
Sun’s Flower
And to give it to Jesus Christ,
And to give it to Jesus Christ,
Sun’s Ray Sun’s Flower

Let it be useful
In the year and Happy New Year!

Sucila Robert
“Lorin Salagean” Technical College
Drobeta Turnu Severin, ROMANIA
 Winter holidays and romanian traditions and customs

The holidays and popular customs gathered around the

Winter solstice (from 20th December to 7th January) are
generally called “winter holidays”. This period is opened and
closed by favorite holidays and eves, such as Christmas or
Epiphany which are met in the middle by the New Year’s Eve.
In time these celebrations became independent moments
announcing the new. Apart from the official calendar,
Romanians also use an informal calendar – the popular one,
created by the people and transmitted orally. This popular calendar is different from the
official one, as it presents the proper time for agrarian
works (such as plowing or seeding, going to find a bride,
getting engaged, for ancestors or finding out the destiny).
The celebrations and the popular customs, which take
place during one or many days, at day or by night, fixed or
mobile, dedicated to gods, people, animals, birds, plants,
cosmic or natural phenomena are well-known and
observed up to the present day in many areas in Romania.
Some took the names of the saints, some others have no
relationship with Christianism.

CHRISTMAS

In Romania, Christmas is based on an ancient holiday

related to the winter solstice and Christmas – a mythical
character, as well as on the Roman traditions related to
the “Winning Sun” or Saturnalias. As now, at the end of
December the days are the shortest, the sun must be
helped with different magical elements, so that it may
not die.
It’s important to say that many Romanian researchers
say that Christmas means “birth”, from the Latin cration,
- onis. There are many customs related to this holiday,
marking Jesus’ birth and they are to be found in the religious carols, such as The Star or
the Irods. Christmas also means the beginning of a new period of life. As for caroling, on
Christmas Eve groups of children or young adults start caroling, at night. They go from
house to house and their wishes are considered signs of good luck. They use different
devices, such as bells, whips, etc which are meant to produce noise and frighten the bad
creatures. Christmas also means a rich meal including meat, bakery, fruits, fish and alcohol.

Tapirlea Marius - Drobeta, Romania

From ancient times, the winter holidays in Romania begin with the arrival of St. Nicholas, on
December, 6, when children celebrate it mostly. On the evening of December, 5, the
children polish their boots and place them near the door or windows for St. Nicholas to fill
them with sweets and fruit.

On December, 20 in the Orthodox calendar there is a celebration

called St. Ignat, a day when the pig is slaughtered for Christmas.

On 25th December we celebrate Christmas, a holiday announced

by the custom of going caroling – especially children and the star,
to proclaim the birth of the Savior.

On Christmas Eve carolers sing different carols, going from one

house to the other. This custom opens the 12-day cycle of the
New Year holidays. The gifts offered by the hosts of the carol
singers (in the traditional form of the custom) consist in baked
cakes, fruit, nuts or money.

The houses are beautifully decorated and in particular the

Christmas tree with gifts under it waiting to be opened by each
member of the house.

From Christmas until after New Year the celebrations and

ceremonies come one after another. The New Year is the
threshold between the old and the new year.

On January, 6 we celebrate the Epiphany in Jordan (Epiphany)

which is followed by St. John and the winter holidays are over.

Echert Maria Magdalena

„Lorin Salagean” Technical College
Drobeta Turnu Severin - ROMANIA