Karankoncolos' Days

The days between Christmas and Epiphany (December 25th to January 6th) are known in South-Eastern European tradition as "the dirty," unbaptised or Karankoncolos' days. People of the region believe, or, at least, once believed then the barrier between the two worlds has fallen and the demonic and dangerous creatures - vampires, goblins, fairies - roam through the human realm. To protect themselves from these supernatural creatures during the twelve days, people observed many prohibitions. The most important is to not go out from sunset until dawn. This is why at that time of the year people do not attend the traditional evening gatherings.

Against demons the clothes were stitched with garlic. Adults do not bathe because the water is unlit, and before a baby is bathed the water is cleaned with burning charcoal. Intercourse is abstained from as the conceived children during that time might become strigoi.

Men clothes are not to be sewn, else the wolves would devour men. But if a child is born, a new shirt is made for it immediately, or a strigoi would become enchanted by it when it grows up.

It is believed that these days are unbaptised (pagan) and therefore during them Christian rites such as a baptism, wedding, memorial service for the deceased, are not to take place.