Baptism in Romanian Tradition – Between Ritual and Superstition

Abstract

Baptism is the act of christening a baby. It belongs to the complex sequence of birth, that is, the first stage of human existence and the second in the family life cycle after the wedding. It comprises several stages: pregnancy and its related superstitions, birth assisted by the community midwife, fairies that meant for the baby’s future since birth, and finally the christening ceremony performed by the community priest. The choice of Godparents as spiritual guides is particularly important to the family and child.