Romania is located in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea,
between Bulgaria and Ukraine.
The tradition in Romania is for children to travel from house to house on
Christmas night singing carols and reciting poetry. Ancient legends are
told and retold. According to custom, the leader carries a large
wooden star called a Steaua, which is covered with
shiny paper and decorated with bells and colored ribbon. A picture
of the Holy Family is pasted in the star's center, and the entire
creation is attached to a long pole. A lighted candle is placed
inside to give the effect of a heavenly lantern.
A special cake, the delicious Turta, is made for
Nosterea Domnului Isus, or Christmas Eve. It is composed
of thin layers of rolled dough which represents the swaddling clothes
of the Christ Child.
The tradition in Romania is for children to travel from house to house on
Christmas night singing carols and reciting poetry. Ancient legends are
told and retold. According to custom, the leader carries a large
wooden star called a Steaua, which is covered with
shiny paper and decorated with bells and colored ribbon. A picture
of the Holy Family is pasted in the star's center, and the entire
creation is attached to a long pole. A lighted candle is placed
inside to give the effect of a heavenly lantern.