The Orthodox Church celebrates the saints Mihail and Gavriil on Thursday, November 8. It is also the name day for all Romanians named Mihai, Mihaela, Gabriel, Gabriela, Gabi. As many as 1.3 million Romanians celebrate their name day on this occasion.

The Romanian tradition goes that the two archangels Mihail and Gavriil (Michael and Gabriel) are always present in people’s lives, standing over people and forgiving their petty sins. The story also goes that the angels guide the souls of the dead either to Heaven or Hell on November 8. Michael is often seen as the warrior angel and is associated in Christian tradition with the war in heaven and the fall of Lucifer. Romanian tradition also tells that Mihail fights off devils when they try to steal the Moon or the Sun.

Gabriel is usually associated with the Annunciation in Christian tradition and thus was depicted many times in Renaissance art.

The Saint Mihail and Gavriil day is also known as the ‘Summer of the winter’ – the last warm days until Christmas.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: sxc.hu)