Romanians really love their holiday music; this list consists mostly of reinterpreted Christmas carols and one song for the passing from one year to the next.
Argatu’ s Carpathian Carol
The song describes the process of going from house to house and an entire process of purifying the household, including blessings, dances, and the whole process ending with giving a gift to the carolers. This song feels more like a ritual, and the song itself definitely goes deep into some corners of the mind.
Subcarpati and The Osoianu Sisters – Carol
The story of this Carol has a character named Ion (John) experiencing the full winter weather and witnessing nature, with the most important symbol being the stag, a sacred symbol in Romanian folk that the strong Ion hits with an arrow between the ribs.
War Carol – The Osoianu Sisters and The Calancea Wolves
There is a contrasting image between kids going caroling to plant the seeds of eternity in a happy tone, in stark contrast to caroling in the trenches to ward off hate. The idea is that in times of great suffering, kids are the ones who ward off evil and bring forth a brighter future.
Subcarpati and The Children’s Choir of Saint Leontie – Good Day, Great Noble Men
The story opens with the carolers visiting the wealthy people’s home, where there is a full table, but they are not invited inside. It concludes with the poor people’s home, where they are invited inside despite there not being enough food for everyone. The sad story is that those who have do not share, whereas those who do not have share.
Argatu’ – Get up and listen to us
This is a song that is sung to ward off the evil spirits for a better year in the transition of the years (New Year). Basically, it involves good wishes for the hosts welcoming the group singing the uraturi. Usually, instruments used in this type of music involve loud drums and whips for the scaring purpose which is nicely replaced with electronic music.
If this got you into Romanian music here is some more:
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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