New Year in Romania (Anul Nou) is a public holiday celebrated by Romanians according to the Gregorian calendar, taking place on the night of December 31 to January 1. Although Romania is an Orthodox country, Christmas is celebrated before New Year, on the night of December 24 to 25. The Romanian version of Santa Claus is known as Moș Crăciun. Christmas traditions in the country are closely intertwined with those of New Year. Thus, New Year is often referred to as “Little Christmas.” According to a Romanian legend, the family of a shepherd named Crăciun sheltered the Virgin Mary. After Mary gave birth, Moș Crăciun gifted her and her child milk and cheese. Since then, Saint Moș Crăciun has been bringing gifts to children. Traditionally, New Year is celebrated with family or close friends at a festive dinner. Recently, young people prefer large, lively gatherings and parties in city centers. On New Year’s morning, Romanian children aged 5 to 14 go caroling to neighbors’ houses with branches of apple or pear trees, symbolizing fertility, decorated with colorful paper, glitter, gold, and artificial flowers. These branches are usually cut on November 30 (Saint Andrew’s Day), sprouted in a glass of water, and kept fresh until New Year. Children knock on doors, sing carols, and wish happiness and long life to the hosts. The branches must touch each family member and even passersby. In return, children receive apples, candies, or money. According to Romanian beliefs, on New Year’s Eve, the heavens open, allowing people to make any wish. Among traditional folk celebrations, the most interesting is the Plugușor ritual, held on January 1 to attract a good harvest in the coming year. On this day, men carrying small plows visit neighbors’ yards, singing about upcoming agricultural work, as spring arrives early in Romania.