St. Andrew's Day is a highly significant holiday in Romania, celebrated annually on the 30th of November. This holiday is in honor of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Romania, who is revered as the one who introduced Christianity to the Dacians, the ancient inhabitants of what is now Romania. The day is marked with special church services, parades, and a host of other cultural festivities.
The unique customs and traditions that mark this holiday in Romania are integral to its appeal. The evening before St. Andrew's Day, known as 'The Night of the Wolves', sees various special traditions being practiced. These include protective rituals against evil spirits that are believed to roam freely on this night. People often hand garlic on their doors and windows to ward off these spirits, and use incantations and old Christian rituals for protection.
In rural areas, another distinct tradition of St. Andrew's Day is the slaughtering of pigs. This tradition, also known as 'Ignat's Day', marks the beginning of the preparation for Christmas meals. Families gather to participate in this age-old ritual, which adds a communal element to this holiday. St. Andrew's Day in Romania does, therefore, extend beyond religious observances, spinning into a wider social and cultural event.