The new year is always a symbol of renewal and change. Not infrequently, we end up wanting to improve our lives through rational and much more beneficial choices that we can implement in the coming year. In our country, this transition is often accompanied by various customs and traditions, which are most strongly preserved in rural areas.
What is the history of New Year traditions?
After the completion of Christmas, the most awaited holiday by people is the transition into the New Year. When the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, we can enjoy the start of the new year, namely new possibilities to be better and enjoy new chances. An interesting aspect of this fact is that the new year is celebrated in every corner of the world at different times and under traditions that are quite difficult to compare. For example, in Brazil people light candles and go to lakes or rivers, where they throw white flowers as an offering to the Queen of the Ocean. On the other hand, in Russia every year a tree is planted in the depths of Lake Baikal by two skilled divers.
What are the New Year traditions in our country?
According to the writings, the customs put into practice on the night between December 31st and January 1st were somewhat different. In turn, they were called the "burial of the year", as they consisted of a funeral ceremony carried out by the Geto-Dacian antiquity, with the aim of celebrating the death and rebirth of the Year, which is also the first god of mankind.
There are various superstitions and customs practiced in various Romanian territories. For example, certain Romanians consume 7 or 12 grapes at midnight, a trout, pumpkin or even hot dogs.
Fish is mainly consumed in areas such as Tulcea, Galați, Brăila and Constanța, as these areas have easy access to water. Those who live in the mountains mainly consume trout, given the fact that access to water is not so easy.
What does the pumpkin tradition mean?
The tradition of the pumpkin involves breaking it and counting the resulting pieces. If the pumpkin splits into more than three pieces, the family will enjoy prosperity and happiness throughout the year. Also, if its seeds will be scattered, this is a symbol of wealth. However, the pumpkin that is spoiled on the inside is a sign that a family member will face an illness.
What other traditions exist in our country?
Among the most famous New Year's traditions practiced in Romania are the goat walk, the bear dance, plowing and even kissing under the mistletoe. Unlike the other traditions, they bring luck, gaiety, happiness, love and optimism to every home. Moreover, the new year is a call to hope and good thoughts, a sign that things can take a happy and gratifying turn, when we have faith and trust that everything will be fine.
