St Mary’s Day in Romania 2023: Date, History, Facts about Romanian

The 15th of August is St. Mary’s Day, and we’ll show you how to commemorate it in the best manner possible. Do you know that it has been 1,700 years since the first celebration of The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God? St. Mary’s Day or the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God commemorate the “sleeping of Mary.” It is the date of her ascension to paradise. It is a national holiday in Romania, so the majority of schools, offices, and institutions are closed. Children wear white and march in unison while chanting hymns honouring Mary.

The background of St Mary’s Day

The first mentions of Saint Mary’s Day appear in Greek texts from the fourth century A.D. Some Christians believed Mary was executed as a martyr. Other accounts suggest that in her later years, Mary served at the infant Church under the leadership of the Apostle John. Around this time, the archangel Gabriel appeared before Mary and informed her that she would die in three days. When the time came, Mary ascended to paradise, leaving behind a sweet scent. Orthodox Christians believe Mary died a natural death and that Jesus accepted her spirit after death. The Catholic Church believes that Mary’s body ascended to paradise.

This day became known as The Feast of the Dormition of God’s Mother or Saint Mary. Assumption Day is celebrated in many countries because the ascension of Saint Mary is also known as the Assumption of Saint Mary. Numerous churches in Romania feature paintings of Saint Mary, including her assumption.

Assumption Day is a public holiday in Romania. Thousands of visitors and pilgrims gather in Transylvania and Moldavia. Typically, children dress in white attire and chant hymns together. St. Mary is revered as the patron saint of the nation’s naval forces; therefore, today is also Navy Day. This day features new naval vessels and attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

5 Romanian facts that will blow your mind

The first city in Europe to have electric street illumination was Timișoara, Romania.

Sapanta Peri, Romania is the location of the world’s tallest wooden chapel at 257 feet.

Approximately 37,000-year-old Homo sapiens fossils were discovered in The Cave of Bones in southwest Romania.

Romania is derived from the Latin word ‘Romanus’, which implies citizens of the Roman Empire.

The Scărișoara Glacier is located beneath the Bihor Mountains in Romania.

ST MARY’S DAY DATES