National Romanian Day

Young couple in traditional Romanian attire, dancing joyfully in a picturesque Romanian village, surrounded by vibrant colors and beautiful Transylvanian landscapes.. — National romanian day illustration

Ah, National Romanian Day! A time to celebrate all things Romanian and spread some love for this amazing country. So, grab your loved ones, get ready for some delicious food, and let's dive into the rich history and traditions of Romania! But before we get started, let me give you a little taste of what's to come.

When is Romanian Day?

It's national romanian day on the 2nd December.

The Wonderful World of Romania

Imagine a land where history and natural beauty collide, where Dracula's castle looms over picturesque landscapes, and where warm-hearted locals welcome you with open arms. That's Romania in a nutshell! And on National Romanian Day, we take a moment to honor this enchanting country and everything that makes it unique.

Origins of National Romanian Day

Every great national day has its roots, and National Romanian Day is no exception. This special day is dedicated to commemorating Romania's unification, which took place on December 1st, 1918. It was on this historic day that the provinces of Transylvania, Bessarabia, and Bukovina united with the Kingdom of Romania, forging a stronger and more unified nation.

How to Celebrate National Romanian Day

When it comes to celebrating National Romanian Day, there are endless possibilities! Indulge in a feast of traditional Romanian dishes, such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup). Join in traditional dances like the hora, and maybe even try your hand at some traditional Romanian crafts. If you happen to be in Romania, don't miss the grand festivities and parades that take place across the country.

History behind the term 'Romanian'

222 AD

Dacian Origins

The term 'Romanian' traces its origins back to the ancient inhabitants of Dacia, a region corresponding to present-day Romania. The Dacians were an Indo-European people who settled in the area around the 2nd millennium BC. They spoke a Thracian language and had a distinct culture and society.

106 AD

Roman Conquest

In 106 AD, the Roman Empire conquered Dacia during the reign of Emperor Trajan. The Romanization of the region began, with Latin becoming the language of administration and commerce. The native Dacian language started to assimilate Latin influences, forming the basis of what would evolve into Romanian.

11th Century

Emergence of Romanian

Over the following centuries, the Latin language spoken in Dacia underwent significant transformation due to contact with surrounding Slavic, Turkish, and Greek communities. This resulted in the formation of a distinct Romance language known as Old Romanian. Old Romanian gradually evolved and developed into the modern Romanian language we know today.

19th Century

National Awakening

The 19th century marked a period of intense national awakening among Romanians. During this time, intellectuals and scholars promoted the use of the term 'Romanian' to highlight their connection to the ancient Roman Empire, their Latin-based language, and their cultural heritage. It was a way to assert a distinct national identity and foster unity.

1861

Official Recognition

In 1861, the term 'Romanian' was officially recognized as the name for the people and language of Romania. The establishment of the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, which later became the Kingdom of Romania, solidified the use of the term on a national level.

20th Century

Modern Romania

Throughout the 20th century, Romania experienced various political changes, including the establishment of a socialist republic followed by a revolution in 1989. Despite these shifts, the term 'Romanian' has remained a steadfast identifier for the country's citizens and has come to represent the rich history, diverse culture, and resilient spirit of the Romanian people.

Did you know?

Did you know that Romania is home to one of the most famous roads in the world? The Transfăgărășan Highway stretches over 90 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. It's a road trip you'll never forget!