Orthodox christians celebrate the Nativity of the Mother of God: Traditions, folklore and the changing of seasons
Orthodox Christians are celebrating the birth of the Virgin Mary, a holiday also known as the Nativity of the Mother of God.
The day is a time for spiritual reflection, with deep-rooted traditions across Romanian and Moldovan culture. Churches are filling with parishioners for morning services, which feature specific chants. The celebrations are particularly vibrant in rural villages where churches are dedicated to the Mother of God.
According to local folklore, it is believed that prayers for a child are more likely to be answered on this day. It is also said that those who wash with holy water will be protected from illness.
The holiday is also linked to the changing seasons, marking the astronomical boundary between summer and autumn. It is seen as the start of autumn agricultural work and the time when birds begin their migration to warmer countries as insects and reptiles retreat underground.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
