Orthodox Christmas, observed on January 7th, is one of the most significant holidays in Moldova. Recognized as a public holiday throughout the country, it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus christ according to the Julian calendar, which the Eastern Orthodox Church uses. The holiday is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the majority of the population, with various age-old traditions and customs associated with it.
The festivities usually begin on January 6th, known as Christmas Eve, with people attending the church for the Christmas liturgy. On this day, Moldovans prepare for Christmas by fasting, reflecting, and participating in religious activities. Houses are decorated, traditional meals are prepared, and families come together to celebrate. The traditional Moldovan Christmas meal usually features dishes like 'sarmale' (stuffed cabbage rolls) and 'colind', a special festive bread.
On the day of Orthodox Christmas, people in Moldova tend to spend the day with family, having festive meals and sharing gifts. It's also a tradition for children to go from one house to another, singing carols and wishing people well, a practice known as 'colindat'. Despite temperatures often dropping below zero, the spirit of Christmas fills the air with warmth and cheer. The holiday serves as an important reminder of the country's rich Orthodox Christian heritage and the value Moldovans place on tradition and family.