The Orthodox Christians who follow the old Julian calendar celebrate Christmas or the Nativity on January 7, which falls on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, IPN reports.

The birth of Jesus Christ is announced on the night of January 7 by carolers who go from home to home. Caroling is one of the oldest observed traditions. According to researchers, there are over 300 carol subjects on Moldova’s territory. In southern Moldova, they sing carols called “bolindets”, while in the northern district “malanca”.

Tradition says the Sky Gates open on Christmas night and the really faithful ones can hear the voice of angels. They say the birds and animals must be given plenty of food on the eve and on Christmas Day so that they are healthy throughout the year and give more eggs, milk and wool. Before Christmas, women cook bred shaped as figure “8” called “Craciunel”, which is kept near the icon until plowing starts. The plowman and the animals are then given to eat from this bread.

According to some traditions, there should be 12 types of dishes on the Christmas table, which symbolize the 12 months of the year and also the apostles that followed Jesus Christ. The dishes should include meat jelly.

Priests say Christmas should be observed at the church first. In some churches, the liturgical service is held at night, as on Easter, while in others in the morning. Parishioners are urged to attend the service as this feast day is an occasion for coming closer to God.

On the eve of Christmas, His Holiness Vladimir, Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and all Moldova, delivered a message intended for Christians, calling on all the faithful persons from Moldova and abroad to keep faith in Jesus Christ and the traditions given that the struggle against faith originating in the atheism of the last century continues nowadays.

On January 8, it is celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, while on January 9 Saint Apostle Stephen.