Romania's culture reflects the country's early, turbulent history. Because life for the Romanian people has been a struggle throughout history, many traditions revolve around "essential life moments" such as birth, marriage and death.

The Romanians are one of history's greatest survivors, and despite numerous invasions and occupations, Romanian culture has remained intact. Vibrant festivals to celebrate important occasions and holidays often are observed in colorful costumes and with the lilting, joyful folk music that is uniquely Romanian.

Children are baptized soon after birth in a traditional church ceremony. The ritual requires that the godparents bathe the child immediately after the priest performs the baptism rite. In the water, the godparents place a small amount of money as well as rice and basil, which signifies riches, plenty of food, and a "sweet" life. In a custom to foretell the child's future, at seven months after birth the child is positioned to choose between a book, a pencil and an egg. It is said that the child who chooses the book will become an intellectual, one who chooses a pencil will exhibit artistic skills, and one who chooses the egg will focus on materialistic pursuits.