May 14th, 2010 | Author: admin
Illuminated Reading
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US $155.00
While much of the civilized world celebrates the ancient traditions of Christmas, which was not always the case in Romania, a country once shackled to the now defunct Union Soviet. Before the break of the Soviet bloc communist country, the Romanian residents were forced out - or at least dip - many Christmas traditions.
It has been 15 years since Romania recovered its independence, and its citizens are once again fill the holidays with joyous celebrations. Young adults are experiencing Yuletide traditions previously heard their parents and grandparents talk. Christmas - called "Craciun" in Romania - is once more alive and well.
Unlike many Americans, Romanians do not open gifts on Christmas morning. By contrast, gift exchanges will place on Christmas Eve. Therefore, Romanian children do not leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus - "Mos Craciun" - to eat on the night of December 24. And while children in the U.S. usually ask for video games and electronics, Romania to live with a harsh economic reality.
Romania is a tale of two classes. The urban population is generally much richer than the rural population. In cities, some children receive expensive gifts and money. In peoples, however, children often receive candy, fruit, nuts and cakes as Christmas gifts. A common and popular gift is the bread in a knot, which, in Romania symbolizes a bountiful harvest.
The slaughter of pigs in a family is common in rural villages. Often grown to around 300 pounds, the pig's throat cut in the backyard and burning pig hair. After this, a small portion of meat is fried immediately. The meat is shared with friends and neighbors, along with plum brandy. This ceremony may seem brutal in the U.S., but is done to ensure the soul of a pig - which will provide the family with food - received wide recognition.
All women in a family cook for three days prior to Craciun. On Christmas Eve are decorated fir. Groups go door to door singing carols and concerts churches present. Carols are abundant. Pupils make paper stars and the light shining from within. They are the star-lit them from house to house, singing carols, as Steaua ("The Star"), Trei Pastori ("The Three Shepherds") and Mos Craciun ("Santa Claus"). Toddlers start singing, caroling is assumed by the teens and then finally (often after midnight), the adults join in. In each house, carols are apples, nuts, traditional cakes ("cozonaci") and sometimes as much money as a reward for their efforts.
Christmas dinner is a meal of several courses. several types of pork sausages are made, and plum brandy, along with homemade pickles, are needed. "Sarmale" and then follows. This dish is pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a combination of pork and beef, along with rice, pepper, thyme and other spices. Boil slowly for hours and is paired with polenta. That dish is followed by pork and roast turkey with red wine. The wine is consumed to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The meal ends with cozonaci, that is a cake with nuts and raisins. The entire extended family - children, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins - come together around the table to enjoy the party together.
Although Romanian Craciun differs from the traditional American Christmas, it is easy to see the similarities as well: it is a magical time full of celebrations, family and generosity.
Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, a regular contributor of valuable family oriented content. Learn how to truly light up your child's eyes this holiday season like never before with a personalized phone call from Santa.
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