sânziană
Romanian
Alternative forms
- sânzeană, sâmziană, sâmzâiană
Etymology
Uncertain. Probably from Latin Sancta Diana or *sanctae Dianae, indicating a pre-Christian deity. (compare Calabrian curse expression santu Diana). Other theories include Sanctus dies Iohannes or a confusion with it. Also, compare the related cosânzeană and zână.
Noun
sânziană f (plural sânziene)
- several plants of the genus Galium (Galium verum, Galium mollugo, Galium rotundifolium)
- Midsummer Day, St. John's Day, Baptist's Day (Romanian folk celebration)
- gold-haired fairy
Related terms
- sânt
- cosânzeană
- zână
See also
- drăgaică
- iele
- Sântioan