When a snowball brings you luck – Saint Nicholas Romanian traditions

After yesterday’s night shopping frenzy, Romanians are enjoying today their presents and a lovely lunch together with their dear ones, family and friends. For many of them, Saint Nicholas is just an old guy who fills shoes with candies and fruits. But he is so much more. Because Romania’s beauty is matched by its legends and fairytales.

The Romanian folklore depicts Saint Nicholas as a white bearded old man – similar to Gandalf, riding on a white horse. Whenever he shakes his beard, snow starts falling and people say: “Here he is, Saint Nicholas is getting younger again!” The snow that falls on his name day brings abundant crops in the year to come and good luck . People  make a snowball, take it into the house and after it melts away, they put the water in a flower vase so that they pass the winter well.

Saint Nicholas is also the protector of the sailors and of those unfairly punished. He brings pleasant surprises for kids and help to those who ask for it. A picture of Saint Nicholas (placed in a pocket or in a wallet) will make any trip useful  and beneficial.

Tradition also has it that the gifts -for kids, dear ones and those who celebrate their name day, offered on the 6th of December consist in sweets – for protection against disappointment and a good life,  fruits (apples, grapes, nuts), educational books, coloured candles – to light their way, flowers (especially basil) – for success. The gifts should be put in white or golden bags – a symbol of harmony, with magical powers during Saint Nicholas night.