#romanian traditions
Pomană: Romania's Tradition of Giving for the Souls of the Departed
Pomană is a deeply rooted Romanian custom of giving food and alms to honour the dead. It connects families, neighbours and strangers in shared remembrance.
Moșii de Toamnă: Romania's Autumn Day of Remembrance
Each autumn, Romanians honour their departed loved ones with candles, chrysanthemums and shared food. Here's what the tradition means and how it is observed.
A Guest's Guide to Romanian Baptisms: Customs, Gifts and Etiquette
Attending a baptism in Romania? Here's what to expect, from the church ceremony to the festive meal, and how to choose an appropriate gift.
Plugușorul: Romania's New Year's Ritual of Wishes and Plenty
Discover Plugușorul, the Romanian New Year's ritual where children and adults recite verses, crack whips and offer wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
St Andrew's Night in Romania: Garlic, Basil and the Search for One's Fate
On the night of 29 November, Romanians observe St Andrew's Eve with protective garlic and fortune-telling rituals, culminating in a day off on 30 November.
Târgul de Fete: Romania's Mountain Fair of Music and Matchmaking
High in the Apuseni Mountains, an ancient gathering brings together shepherds, villagers and visitors for a celebration of song, dance and courtship that has endured for centuries.
Sârba: Romania's Spirited Circle Dance and How to Join In
Discover the lively steps, driving music and social joy of the sârba, one of Romania's most beloved folk dances. Learn its origins and how to take part at any village celebration.
How to Join a Hora: Romania's Circle Dance for Beginners
The hora is Romania's most beloved social dance, bringing people together at weddings, festivals and holidays. Here's how to join in with confidence.
Babele: How Romanians Predict Their Year in the First Nine Days of March
Learn about the folk custom of Babele, when Romanians choose a day between 1 and 9 March to see what the weather foretells for their year ahead.
Romanian Folk Costumes: Regional Styles and Timeless Symbols
From the embroidered ie to the woven fota, traditional Romanian dress is a language of identity that varies richly from region to region.
Romanian Name Days: How to Celebrate Ziua Numelui Like a Local
In Romania, your name day can be as important as your birthday. Here's how to celebrate ziua numelui like a local, from wishes to gifts.
Sânzienele: Romania's Midsummer Celebration of Flowers and Fortune
Every June, Romanians honour Sânzienele, a magical night of flower crowns, dancing and love divination that blends ancient custom with modern celebration.
Romanian Wedding Traditions: A Journey Through Rituals and Symbols
From the pețit ceremony to the hora of the bride, discover the rich customs that make a traditional Romanian wedding a vibrant celebration of community and heritage.
Colac: The Braided Bread at the Heart of Romanian Celebrations
From weddings to funerals, the colac is more than bread in Romania—it is a symbol of life, honour and community. Here is what makes this braided loaf so central to tradition.
Rusaliile: Romania's Pentecost Traditions of Flowers, Water and Dance
Every year, fifty days after Easter, Romania marks Rusaliile with a unique blend of Christian faith and ancient folk customs. Discover the rituals of flowers, water and the famed Călușari dance.
Șezătoarea: The Romanian Winter Gathering of Craft and Storytelling
A look at the traditional Romanian social gathering where women came together to spin, sew, sing and share stories during the long winter months.
Dragobete: Romania’s Traditional Celebration of Love on February 24
Discover the customs and meaning of Dragobete, the Romanian day of love, and how it differs from Valentine's Day.
The Black Pottery of Marginea: A Timeless Romanian Craft
In the village of Marginea, potters still shape and fire clay into glossy black vessels using a technique passed down through generations.
A Guest's Guide to Romanian Weddings: Customs, Gifts and What to Expect
Romanian weddings are lively, generous affairs with customs that go back generations. Here’s what to expect as a guest, from church ceremonies to midnight dances.
Romanian Egg Painting: An Easter Tradition of Wax and Dye
In Romania, decorating Easter eggs is far more than a springtime craft. Using beeswax and natural dyes, artisans create intricate symbols that carry centuries of meaning.
How Romanians Celebrate Christmas Eve: Food, Fasting and Family
Discover the rich traditions of Romanian Christmas Eve, from the meatless festive meal to carol singing and the lighting of the Yule log.
Căluș: A Guide to Romania's Ancient Ritual Dance
Discover the Căluș, a centuries-old Romanian ritual dance recognised by UNESCO. Learn about its history, meaning, and where travellers can witness it today.
Name Days in Romania: Why Your Sfânt Matters More Than Your Birthday
In Romania, a name day can bring as many greetings as a birthday. Here is how the custom works, who celebrates, and how to join in politely.
Mărțișor: How Romania Welcomes Spring on the First of March
Every year on 1 March, Romanians exchange small red-and-white tokens to mark the start of spring. Here is the story behind the tradition and how to join in.
Ia: the Romanian Embroidered Blouse and the Stories Sewn Into It
The traditional Romanian blouse, the ia, carries regional patterns and centuries of craft. Here is how to read its motifs, and where its tradition shows up today.
Mărțișor: the red and white charm that welcomes spring in Romania
Every 1 March, Romanians pin small red and white tokens to their lapels. Here is the story behind the mărțișor, what it means and how to join in respectfully.