Saint Ilie Day in Romania: traditions and customs celebrated on July 20

Saint Ilie, a miracle worker and one of the most important prophets in the Old Testament, is celebrated on July 20 in Romania. Similar to most of the religious celebrations in Romania, the day of Saint Ilie also comes with many traditions and superstitions.

According to Holy Scripture, Ilie (Elijah) was born in the city of Tishbe, in the land of Gilead, located east of the Jordan River. He lived in the 9th century BC, during the reign of King Ahab, when many in Israel had turned away from faith in God and adopted the worship of the god Baal. He confronted the king and Queen Jezebel, condemning idolatry and calling the people to repentance and a return to God. According to the biblical accounts, through his prayer, God withheld rain for three and a half years, and after the people's repentance, He sent rain upon the earth once again.