Stories

Winter is here and Christmas is just around the corner, therefore we would like to have a look and write about the Christmas customs in and around Cristuru Secuiesc.


The first thing that you notice early in December are the many decorations popping up around town. In the center of the town, there is a big Christmas tree, that has been beautifully decorated. Some people also decorate their households during this season, both with trees (either made out of plastic or real) and Christmas lights. One can especially notice it after nightfall, all the various lights shining from the houses and apartments.




It could be said that there are as many yuletide traditions as there are families in the area. Christmas customs in the Keresztúr area are definitely more family oriented, for example young people, especially those who belong to a religious denomination, usually go around the town to sing local Christmas carols under the windows or in the courtyards of the houses. In such cases, the families usually offer the carollers cakes and mulled wine.


Another custom that can be considered traditional in Cristuru Secuiesc around Christmas time is the pig slaughter. It is usually the whole family that gathers together for this occasion as every helping hand is needed. Pigs are mostly only slaughtered by those who have a family home, but not everyone keeps pigs these days, so some people just buy pig meat at the store. Usually it is organized around December 20 or the weekend before Christmas. The meats from the animal are then used from Christmas to around spring time.




People who live here also usually have the advent wreath which is most often made up of spruce or pine branches, and has four candles representing the four Sundays of advent time, which is customary in many countries in Europe. The candles are lit one by one, first candle on the first Sunday, two on the second and so on. The lighting of the candles symbolizes the approaching of the holidays and the birth of baby Jesus.


One interesting peculiarity of the area is that young children are told that it isn’t Santa Claus who brings the gifts on the 24th of December, but instead a Little Angel.
A very nice custom is that during December 24, in the afternoon, the children are taken by their grandparents for a walk or sledding. Meanwhile, the Little Angel brings both the presents and the decorated Christmas tree. Santa does however bring candy for the good little children, but this happens in the evening of the 5th of December.


The families that live here have different customs when it comes to Christmas Eve. For some, it is customary to visit grandparents during this time. It is however definitely true that most people spend the evening among a close family circle, enjoying both the time they get to spend together and a hearty meal. After dinner is when the presents are opened, definitely a joyful moment for both children and adults alike.


As far as Christmas food goes, the festive menu usually includes meat from pig slaughter, like for example sausages or stuffed cabbage. Very traditional is also sauerkraut soup with meatballs. Some also fry trout, but it’s different for every family. The day after Christmas, many families also gather for a festive lunch and spend time together throughout the week.


Soon enough, this wonderful time of the year will be upon us all and we, the volunteers, would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year!