Winter traditions in Moldova – St. Basil the Great and Epiphany

winter holidays in Moldova

Saint Basil the Great (January 14)

During this holiday the children go from house to house blessing the families. They throw  grains of wheat, corn grains, oat. The grains that fall in the courtyard or in the house symbolize faith in a more prosperous year and rich harvest.

This holiday is also called Old New Year.

 Epiphany

The 19th of January is the feast of the Epiphany. It’s about celebrating the moment when Jesus was baptized by John in the waters of the Jordan.

On this day the big waters are sanctified and the environment is purified from the evil forces.

At the end of the water sanctification service the cross is thrown into the water. The young men jump into the water in order to find the cross. It is said that the one who takes the cross out of the water will be lucky all year long.

 

You can find out more about our traditions by visiting Moldova.

Welcome to Moldova!