Baptismal customs in Romanian culture

In the Orthodox religion, the baptism takes place 40 days after the birth of the child. Being purified by water suggests the elimination of sins. It is performed by a priest, in the church, and the ritual includes three parts: firstly, the godparents say the creed, then they light three candles in front of the font (as a symbol of the Holy Trinity), water is turned into holy water and the child is covered in oil (to symbolize God`s mercy).

The font is surrounded three times, so that the circle represents unity and strength in God`s belief. The immersion of the child in the water, repeated three times, represents the forgiveness of all sins. Afterwards, the child is dressed up in white clean clothes to suggest purity.

Another important part of the baptism is the godparents' denial of the devil. They turn around, facing the west, then blow and deny it three times. Then they turn facing east and acknowledge the union between God and the child.

As for choosing the name, the Old Law says that it should be picked out on the eighth day after the birth and it should be an orthodox one.

A tradition states that the new-born should be presented with no gifts other than coins (laid on his/hers chest to bring luck), while the mother can receive food. Only close family can visit the new-born. Only after the baptism can the child receive presents, in the form of clothes. When the child is brought back from the church by the godmother, she stands in the threshold of the house and says to the mother "You gave him/her to me as a pagan, I bring him/her back as a Christian."

Each part of the country has its own customs and traditions when it comes to baptism, but there are some that are aided by all over the country.