Saint John’s Day in Romania: Celebrations of Faith and Tradition

The day following Epiphany, January 7th, is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, known as “Sfântul Ion” in Romanian. It is another major celebration, honoring the saint who baptized Jesus. This day is filled with joyous traditions and customs.

The folk tradition goes that Saint John is the babies’ protector, assuring they are born healthy, without malformations.

Saint John is also a day of joy and one must be happy this day or else will be sad the whole year.

Some in the countryside used to celebrate the day of Saint John so that God should keep away their households from fire and their animals from beasts.

Also on St. John, there is the custom of “women’s bathing”, which is in fact a housewives’ party. Women are usually gathering at some host’s place, and each of them is bringing food and drink, while partying till morning.

Another St. John custom is “Iordăneala”. Several youngsters who took Holly Water from the priest on St. John’s Eve, are going to church in the morning of St. John Day and, after the church service is over, they go splashing every man who comes out and wish him/her good luck. The ‘splashed’ people must reward the carolers with money.

The tradition however says that on the morning of St. John, every person must spray with new Holly Water to stay away from diseases all year long.

As far as the weather is concerned, the folk tradition says that after Saint John, the frost is baptized, meaning it begins to ‘melt down’ and it’s getting warmer.

Name Day Celebrations

Saint John’s Day is particularly special for the millions of Romanians named Ion, Ioana, or related names. It is a time for name day celebrations, where friends and family gather to honor those bearing the saint’s name. Traditional greetings like “La mulți ani!” (Many happy returns!) are shared.

Religious Practices

Church services are held to commemorate Saint John’s life and deeds. Believers attend these services to offer prayers and seek blessings. Priests may also continue house blessings with holy water, extending the spiritual cleansing from Boboteaza.

Festive Customs

1. Feasting and Gatherings: Families host large meals, featuring traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread). It is a time of togetherness and joy.
2. Superstitions and Rituals: In some areas, people believe that washing their faces with holy water on this day ensures health and good fortune throughout the year.
3. Community Events: Villages and towns often organize communal celebrations, including music, dancing, and festive parades.