Saint John Day
in Romania he's called "Santion"
On 7th of January Saint John Day (in Romanian Santion) closes the chain of Christmas holidays. In the popular belief John is God Himself. God simply changes the old face of Craciun (Romanian name for the Christmas) with a younger one, that of John.
For Romanians Saint John is so important that they name their first boy John, after the saint with the same name. John is the most widespread name in Romania.
In Transylvania there is a custom called "John's baptizing". All people called John are carried in great honor to the river. There they are plunged into the river and baptized.
There is another custom with the same name in Bucovina. People put at every John's gate a decorated Christmas tree. John must pay for it and offer the people a great party.
Saint John is known as an ascet, especially as a vegetarian. That's why Saint John's Day passes under the symbol of vegetation. And for Romanians vegetation means Eden garden and forever life.
Previous feast day: Epiphany Day
Next custom: Carols trail
Back to Christmas in Romania
