Celebration of Saint Mary Day in Romania

Saint Mary, known as “Sfanta Maria” in Romanian, is one of the most significant religious celebrations in Romania, observed on August 15th. This day, also called the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, marks the ascent of the Virgin Mary into Heaven and is deeply rooted in Romanian culture and traditions.   Religious Ceremonies and Pilgrimages   On this day, the Romanian Orthodox Church holds special services in honor of the Virgin Mary. Many believers attend church to light candles, pray, and participate in the Holy Liturgy. One of the most prominent traditions is the pilgrimage to Marian shrines across the country, with some of the most famous being at Nicula Monastery in Cluj County and Bixad in Satu Mare. Pilgrims travel long distances, often on foot, to these sacred sites to seek blessings, healing, and spiritual comfort.   Festive Gatherings and Feasts   Sfanta Maria is also a time for family gatherings and communal celebrations. In rural areas, it’s common for people to prepare festive meals and share them with family, friends, and neighbors. Traditional dishes, such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread), are often served. The feast also coincides with the end of the agricultural season, so it’s a moment for people to give thanks for the harvest.   Customs and Superstitions   The day is rich in customs and superstitions. For example, it is believed that those who work on this holy day may bring bad luck upon themselves or their household. Instead, people are encouraged to rest and spend time with loved ones. Additionally, young girls might place flowers under their pillows the night before to dream of their future husbands.   In the countryside in Romania the day was known as the one that breaks the hot months from the cold ones.   In the traditional Romanian village, August 15 was usually opening the marriage season that used to last until the Christmas fasting. On Saint Mary Day, the peasants also used to hold autumn fairs and markets and the time between the two Marys, the Great and the Small one, was acknowledged as the best time for autumn seeding. If near Saint Mary the roses were blooming, it was a sign that autumn was to be a long one.   Bathing in any river waters defiled by deer as well as sleeping on the porch were forbidden on August 15. Also in the countryside, men used to change their hat with the cap on August 15, as a sign that colder times are coming, while women used to go to the church and share grapes, plums, honeycombs and they also used to go the cemetery to cense the graves.   On Saint Mary, girls used to wear a plant named “Navalnic” or “Limba cerbului/ Hart’s tongue” which was said to have the power of luring the lovers. The last cure plants were picked up on the day of August 15.   Folk Festivals and Cultural Events   In many parts of Romania, especially in Transylvania and Maramure?, folk festivals are organized to celebrate the day. These events feature traditional music, dances, and costumes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Crafts fairs and markets are also common, where locals sell handmade goods and traditional Romanian products.   Saint Mary’s Name Day   August 15th is also a name day celebration for those named Maria, Marian, or related names. It’s customary for people to wish them well and offer gifts or flowers. The day holds special importance for women named Maria, who are often honored with small parties or gatherings.   Overall, Sfanta Maria is a day of profound religious devotion, cultural celebration, and community togetherness, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural roots of the Romanian people.   More than 2.6 million Romanians celebrate their name day on Saint Mary   More than 2.6 million Romanians celebrate their name day of Saint Mary, the most numerous being women. Almost two million women bear the name Maria or its derivatives. Of the 1,996,762 women, 1,486,913 are called Maria.   On the second place in number are those called Mariana – 264,991, followed by those called M?rioara – 51,460 and those called Marinela 50,873.   The least common names are Marusia – 806 and Mery – 172. Also, 652,539 men celebrate their name day of Saint Mary, most of them, 316,800, bearing the name Marian.