The Nativity of St. John the Baptist in Romania

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24th, holds a significant place in the Romanian Orthodox and Roman Catholic calendars. It is a “Solemnity” in the Catholic Church and similarly a “Great Feast” in the Romanian Orthodox Church, one of the highest forms of feast days in both churches. In Romania its profound religious significance is intertwined with deeply rooted folk traditions, known as "Sânziene" or "Drăgaica." This popular Romanian celebration is a vibrant tapestry woven with ancient beliefs, rituals, and customs that speak to the power of nature and the cycles of life.

My mother and I met in Romania this summer to prepare a memorial service for my uncle’s one year death anniversary and to put the home I grew up in for sale. I was not able to attend the funeral, so it was a particularly solemn visit for me. We wanted the presence of an elder, Mihai, the last surviving sibling of my grandmother at the memorial, so we went to our ancestral village to pick him up. At 85, he was jovially riding his bicycle on the unpaved medieval road. He had just returned from the local “Sânziene” celebration. “Sânziene,” which has pre-Christian roots, takes place during the summer solstice and celebrates the life-giving forces of nature. The name "Sânziene" refers to mythical creatures, often depicted as beautiful fairies, who are believed to dance and sing in the fields during the night, bestowing blessings and fertility on the earth. Traditionally, young girls would weave wreaths of wildflowers while singing folk songs. They then would toss the wreaths over their houses or into rivers, interpreting the direction and outcome as omens of good fortune. In the evening of June 23rd, bonfires would be lit, symbolizing the sun's power and the purification of the earth. People would jump over the flames, believing it would bring good luck and protection from illness.

While the ancient rituals are less widely practiced in the urban areas of modern Romania, the spirit of the celebration remains strong. People still gather to celebrate with family and friends, participating in traditional dances, songs, and customs, and the day is marked by outdoor festivals, showcasing Romanian folklore, crafts, and culinary traditions. The Nativity of St. John the Baptist in Romania, intertwined with “Sânziene,” represents a unique fusion of Christian faith and pre-Christian beliefs. This celebration is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, hope, and renewal. It felt fitting that this “hybrid holiday” would coincide with my farewell to my uncle and my childhood home. It represented a new chapter in my immigrant experience of being "here" and "there," engaged in the complicated process of renewal by embracing my life in the US, while holding onto the memories and traditions from “back home."

Alexandru Salceanu, parishioner

If you would like to offer a story or reflection about your cultural traditions as rooted in your Catholic faith, please contact Marsha Holm of the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC).