Mucenici

"Mucenici" is a cherished Christian feast celebrated in Romania and Moldova to honor the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste. This special day also marks the beginning of the agricultural year. In preparation for the festivities, people often clean their homes and burn collected garbage outside, a tradition believed to bring warmth and positivity.

A beloved custom during Mucenici is making a dessert that shares the same name. The dough is shaped into a figure-eight, symbolizing either garlands or the martyrs themselves. In certain parts of Romania, this dough is boiled in water with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, representing the lake where the martyrs met their fate.

In Moldavia, there's a similar treat called Sfințișori. Here, the dough is also shaped into a figure-eight but is made larger. Instead of boiling, it is baked and then generously coated with honey and walnuts. This variation adds a unique twist to the Mucenici tradition, making the celebration even sweeter.