MOLDOVA

Habits and Traditions

Moldova in generals therms
Moldova officially the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked
country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the west
and Ukraine to the north- east, and south. The capital city is
Chișinău. The people in Moldova are very kind and hospitable
also is very famous for her national dances, folklore, traditions
and habits.
Customs of Moldova
◦ One of the most important habits is to
meet guests with baked bread, salt and a
glass of wine. In this way we show all
the respect and warmth with which we
welcome you into our houses.
Sînzeienele
◦ The custom of The Sanzeian takes
place every year on June 24th. It was
believed that the night before the day
of Sînziene is a magical one in which
all miracles are possible. Also on this
night the forces of good and evil reach
their peak. Christians in Moldova pray
on this day hoping that they will escape
trouble, suffering and disease.
The goat dance
◦ The goat dance is found during the winter
holidays, it dances during the game,
consuming vital energies, dies and is reborn,
symbolizing ritual regeneration and
continuity of life.
The goat dance presents a scenario of ritual
death and resurrection.
Traditions of Moldova

◦ The symbolism of Easter eggs appeared before the birth of

Christ, in ancient times. The egg was given as a gift, being
considered a symbol of balance, creation, symbol of life and
the renewal of nature, the habit of painting it being found in
the Chinese two thousand years before Christ.

◦ The custom of egg coloring has been passed on to Christians

and is still practiced especially in the peoples of Europe and
Asia. Unlike other countries of Europe, where the custom has
narrowed or disappeared, the Romans flourished, reaching
the heights of art through technique, materials, symbolic of
the motifs and perfection of achievement.
Mărțișorul
◦ The mărțișor was conceived as an amulet with two white
threads (symbolizing divinity, health, purity of mind and
fulfillment) and a red one (as a symbol of love for the
eternal beauties of life: friendship, fidelity and honor).
◦ In the popular tradition, the two colors (white and
red) from which the thread with which the marcher-talisman
is bound also represent the two basic seasons (winter and
summer).
The carol time.
◦ Initially, the carols had a ritualistic function, namely
that of hating fertility, redness and abundance. This
custom was related either to the beginning of the
agrarian year (i.e. the coming of spring) or to its end
(autumn, harvest). On the other hand, a common
purpose of carols was to banish the spirits of January.
Over time, from the original meaning of the carols, only
the festive atmosphere, ceremony, parties and greetings
were preserved.
◦ Republic of Moldova is a very beautiful country with a beautiful culture, people and
places to visit.