The majority of Moldavian people are Christians and, therefore, one of the most important holidays in Moldova is, without any doubts – Christmas. But unlike every other country that has only one Christmas, Moldova has two, because of the Romanian and Russian influence in the history of the country. People celebrate Christmas on December 25th, like in Romania and many other countries, and on January the 7th, like it was celebrated back in the former Soviet Union, and that is recognized as an official holiday in Moldova; or both.

The carols are a very important part of Moldavian folklore and Christmas festivities. As a major tradition, especially in the countryside, the smallest children are going in groups, from house to house, singing carols and reciting poems and legends during the whole Christmas season. One of the members holds a star made of cardboard and/or paper, covered with yellow or silver metal foil, decorated with bells and colored ribbons, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, that revealed the birth of Jesus to the magi and led them to Bethlehem. The carolers usually receive candies, walnuts, little cracknels and money.

Romanian food served during the holidays mostly consists of pork (organs, muscle, and fat). Five days before Christmas the pig is cut with a very sharp knife, burned, washed and then covered with a piece of cloth for a few minutes, while the housewife comes and incense the pig; a sign of the cross in made on its head and after that the pig is cut and there is a feast called the pig's funeral feast. The custom is called “Ignatius” and it is a symbolic gesture for St. Ignaus (celebrated on December the 20th). All the family, friends and neighbors gather around and they all eat small pieces of fried pork and the skin of the bacon, while drinking wine or homemade brandy.

The Christmas meal starts at noon and lasts till late evening. All the family members gather together at a big table, where they exchange gifts and holiday greetings, talk, sing carols and eat. The main dishes are made of pork and/or chicken. Oranges and tangerines are “the smell of winter holidays”, especially for kids, because they receive them often as a reward for their carols, but also for grown-ups, because it became a tradition to have some in the house, near the candies and other sweets.

The Christmas tree is usually decorated just a couple of days before Christmas, or even on New Year’s Eve, for those who celebrate it on January the 7th. Often people use candies and cracknels as decoration for the tree.