Easter Procession Bucovina |
Romania, a country that celebrates life through food and wine, has quite the repertoire of Easter traditions and fare.
Good Saturday for the Orthodox Christians is a day of prayer,
meditation and introspection reflecting the time that Christ’s body was in the tomb
in silence and darkness and preparation for the midnight Sunday Paschal Liturgy,
the new beginning, resurrection and the eternal life.
Icon of the Resurrection |
An icon of the Resurrection depicts the belief that
while in the tomb Christ went into the depths of hell and brought up to the
light of heaven Adam and Eve as well as Old Testament fathers.
Moldova Easter Eggs |
Legends and traditions transcend time and vary in each main territories of Romania. One of the oldest is the painting and sacred symbolism of Easter Eggs.
Hand Painted Easter Eggs |
The egg, symbol of creation, renewal, purity and eternal
life is painted red in most areas.
The belief is that when the Mother of God came to the
cross to mourn her crucified son, she laid her basket of fresh eggs at the base
of the cross to pray, the eggs turned red from the blood of Christ that was
dripping from His wounds.
Decorations on the Easter eggs vary by region and folk
traditions mostly ancient geometrical symbols and rich colors.
In Moldova, monasteries create glorious designs such as
Sucevita and Moldovita Monasteries as well as the Neamt region including beaded
eggs.
In Transylvania, Sibiu and its environs hollowed painted
eggs are hung in trees in the front yards.
With celebration of Easter, Romanians celebrate food and wine as well.
Lemon Basted Lamb Chops |
Pascha with Cheese |
Lamb in Wine Sauce and Rosemary |
Pascha with Cheese and Raisins |
Drob Pie |
What is also indicative of the rebirth is the tradition
after church of the families gathering with their loved ones for Paschal feasts
that include Spring lamb, eggs, sour soups, green garlic, traditional pastries and wine from the regional vineyards.
Midnight hour is approaching, preparing for the Nocturne Procession....Victory of Life...Resurrection!
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
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