Saint Basil Day
in Romania he's called "Sanvasiu"
Saint Basil Day, being the first day of the year, has an omen meaning. The way things work out this day they'll do all the coming year. This day tradition is "Sorcova".
So! Say no to all excesses. Don't sleep, don't drink and don't eat too much if you don't want to become a sleepy, or a drinker or a greedy-guts. The reverse also applies. Be moderate, be efficient and so on.
Popular stories tell us he was a saint even from his mother's belly. He grew up and stayed celibate. He was a great drinker but still good men. He loves and he sings and he dances and he… perverts all the innocent girls.
Indeed, in some places the teenage girls are allowed to dance for the first time near the young men on Saint Basil Day. And that means they are ready to get married.
Saint Basil's name is connected to future's prediction. This is said to be the day peasants find out the weather for the next year. Several minutes before the bing-bang of the clock announces the New Year they put twelve half leaves of one or more onions on a plate. They have to be about the same size. Each leaf is associated to a month of the year. They put a little bit of salt in each of them and let them rest.
In the morning of Saint Basil Day they check the leaves. If that leaf is dry, that month will be drought. If the leaf has lot of liquid it'll be a rainy month.
Saint Basil patronises the vineyards. It is said in Saint Basil Day skies opens and water becomes wine. God steps down and sits at peoples tables surrounded by all His saints. So, people receive a new chance to candidate for a place in heaven.
Previous feast day: New Year's Eve
Next feast day: Epiphany Day
Back to Christmas in Romania
