Christmas Traditions Burbea Gabriella Clasa a 6-a B

Christmas Tree:

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine or fir, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas. An artificial Christmas tree is an object made to resemble such a tree, usually made from polyvinyl chloride .The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which with electrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree to represent the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

The Pig Sacrifice (Ignat)A few days before the beginning of the holidays the pig sacrifice takes place. This is done on December 20th, the day of St. Ignatius. This tradition is kept particularly in the countryside, where everything takes place according to a closely followed ritual. The origins of this custom date back to immemorial times. It was accepted and absorbed by the Christian religion as a natural part of the local community life. Christianity also bestowed upon it a religious significance, as nobody can taste the food prepared on this day until after the priest has given his blessing.

Carol SingingCarol singing usually marks the start of the 12 days of Christmas. In the villages, children and lads usually go from house to house singing carols. They are organized in a ˝bevy˝ with a clearly defined hierarchy, having a leader and a meeting place.In the past, the lads between 18 and 20 would be the ones going out carol singing. They would find a host in one of the villages and they would always go out on together. If one of them was found alone on the streets of the village, he would be in for quite a severe punishment.During this time everything has to have a festive dimension. Carols create an atmosphere full of optimism, where men make wishes and foster secret desires

Santa ClausSanta Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and simply "Santa", is a mythical figure with legendary, historical and folkloric origins who, in many Western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children on December 24, the night before Christmas. However in some European countries children receive their presents on St. Nicholas' Day, December 6.[1] The modern figure of Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, which, in turn, has part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of Christian bishop and gift-giver Saint Nicholas.

During Christmastime, Romanian bake or buy various special dishes, including desserts, sweets or fries. Romanians most usually bake Cozonac, a somewhat of a Panetone made of flour, yolks, yeast and many other dependable ingredients, flavors, condiments and additions. There are several types of cozonac, with hundreds of recipes. You can either knead it for hours to be out in 6 hours or you can let it crease for 12 hours to avoid kneading it. You can fill the cozonac with chestnuts, cocoa, raisins or Turkish delights. Other Christmas dishes include piftie, sarmale or pork dishes

Traditionals food

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you will like our traditions!!