Winter In Romania

Winter in Romania: the perfect time to make predictions

Winter is magic everywhere, but in Romania, we turn it up a notch. Besides the fairy tale landscapes, fascinating magical traditions are here to amaze you.

We have myriads of winter traditions, songs, dances, and magical practices. They are all praising the renewal ahead. But what I’ve always found flabbergasting is how Romanians use traditions to make forecasts.

Weather forecast apps? No, thanks, we have the onion calendar!

Did you know that even nowadays rural communities in Transylvania are making long term weather forecasts using an… onion?

Yes, it’s true, and somehow it seems to be working! Every New Year’s Eve, women prepare a calendar out of half an onion. They peel 12 layers for the next twelve months, add salt and attach a piece of paper with the name of the month. Next day, they make accurate forecasts based on the water content inside each onion layer. It’s the default measurement in choosing the perfect moment to seed in order to get a good harvest.

But wait, there’s more!

Did you ever hear about the Bear’s Day?

No? Then you should simply mark your calendar for next year’s travel to Romania! We have a lot of amazing ancient winter celebrations, perfect for reading the weather. You can find out how far along the spring is by ‘reading’ weather signs. End of January – early February, all you have to do is look at the sky: a predominantly clear one means a bountiful summer ahead.

The Bear’s Day is at the beginning of February, when, according to tradition, bears are going outside their dens for a dance. But, based on how their own shadows fall on the ground, they could very well flee back in and hibernate for another 6 weeks, which means a longer winter.

The day when the skies open for you to read the future

My favorite day in terms of predictions is “Epiphany Day”. It’s a very important orthodox celebration, on January 6^th, and I’m truly fascinated with the multitude of chances for reading the future around this day. Not only can you pretty accurately find details about the weather and the crops that are about to come, but you can predict, wait for it, when and whom you’ll be marrying! All you have to do is place a few basil leaves under your pillow. Overnight, your one and only will definitely be in your dreams. Truly romantic, isn’t it?

And what a happy coincidence, to have this magical insight only a month before Valentine’s Day!

This is just a taste of the old, magical system of beliefs Romanians are integrating in their modern life. Yes, winter in Romania is both inspirational and delicious. For me, personally, it bears the taste of cold fresh air, embalmed with subtle whiffs of hot spicy brandy and soft, delicious pies. My Romanian winter favorite delights. What’s yours?