March 2024: Happy EASTER!

 EASTER (Pascha) – an annual observance, honoring an old tradition while sending along appropriate compliments!

Warm greetings to all my friends who celebrate today (March 31’24) this special holiday!

Also, at this time, early greetings to all my Romanian & Greek friends who will celebrate this holiday few weeks later. 

💮 HAPPY EASTER! 💮 PAŞTE FERICIT! 💮 FROHE OSTERN! 💮 ΚΑΛΌ ΠΆΣΧΑ! 💮 JOYEUSES PÂQUES! 💮 BUONA PASQUA! 💮 

● Additional background info:
Going beyond the religious significance of this holiday, here are few reference materials of general interest, depicting the secular & the cultural facets of this feast.  

⚪ ARTICLES:

“Easter Traditions in Romania: A Cultural Celebration” |  “5 Romanian Easter Traditions (Orthodox Easter traditions)”  |  “Romanian traditions on Easter”

|  “Seven Easter Traditions from Around the World” (promoted by Martha Stewart)   | “27 Traditional Easter Foods From Around the World”  |  
“35 Popular Easter Traditions From Around the World to Celebrate the Holiday”  |  “How Countries Around the World Celebrate Easter”

⚪ VIDEOS:

(In English language): “The incredible ROMANIAN Egg Art That Will Awe You” (Short Film Showcase by National Geographic) |

(In Ro language): “Exclusiv în România: Cel mai mare muzeu din lume dedicat ouălor încondeiate” (via archiva TVR1)

(In Ro language): “Taina încondeierii ouălor sau, cum o numesc localnicii, ‘scrierea ouălor’”

(In English language): “Traditional Easter Eggs in Romania”

● My previous greetings on the same theme: EASTER – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Positive ATTITUDE, positive THINKING

”Joie De Vivre” – by Frederic Francois Chopin (classical music) 

       Once upon a time, I’ve read in one of Dale Carnegie’s books something that caught my attention and stayed with me for a number of years....here it is:  “Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think. So start each day by thinking of all the things you have to be thankful for. Your future will depend very largely on the thoughts you think today. So think thoughts of hope and confidence and love and success.”
       Yes, I’m more and more convinced that a significant part of the entire whole, it is about gratitude and positive thinking!
For some people it might be obvious that having a positive attitude could help them live a happier life, but the actual practice of expressing it, it is something that not very many people do.
       The wonderful opportunity for a greater peace of mind is lost, because many choose to focus on what others do, to criticize them every way they can, to blame everyone and everything hoping that by blowing someone’s candle their might shine brighter, but history has shown us time and time again that this is not the way things work.
       It you desire more happiness in your life, it is important to be positive, to live in the moment and to do things that bring you joy. When you are joyful, you shine and you will attract more like minded people into your life!

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

March 19-20'24: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day

 A new spring has arrived and it paints everything in a fresh coat of extraordinary colors...I truly hope your soul will bask in the glory of nature's abundance!

Warm greetings to all for a beautiful season! 

On March 20, 2024, the entire world is also observing the International Day of Happiness.

According to UN, “we can create a happier and kinder world together by adopting simple, daily practices. This year’s theme is: ‘Happier together’.

“...Steps to Global Happiness. And by working to promote and advance:

- Happiness as a fundamental human right and goal for all
- Happiness as a universal aspiration in the lives of all
- Happiness as a way of living, being, and serving communities and society
- Happiness as a north star for individuals, communities, governments, and society
- Happiness path toward achieving the sustainable development goals

- Happiness as a “new paradigm’ for human development
- Worldwide celebration of the international day of happiness that is democratic, diverse, organic, and inclusive.” (Source: happinessday.org)

● ARTICLES: “Top 10 Places to enjoy Spring in Romania” | “12 Spring Celebrations Around the World”
● Classical MUSIC for Spring (video clip) 

● My previous posts on the same themes: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Alice’s Book Club – WINTER session of 2024

“READING:
Some people call it a hobby;
I call it a passion!”

As the current winter is slowly coming to an end, on Friday (March 15’24) I was glad to organize my first book club of the year (the winter session of 2024), this time selecting together the book we will discuss as a group, as well as a brief brainstorming regarding other educational subjects, which we might like to touch on during our future gatherings.

Lovely meeting, lovely ladies, lovely vibes….awesome books were proposed and fantastic topics were added to our agenda….stay close to us to learn more about our reading “adventures”, as well as our themes of interest…indeed, there is a lot to be grateful for!

As usual, my most sincere appreciation for those kind & dear friends who honored my invitation!

Until we meet again, my best regards to all for a beautiful spring to come!

Alice 

“The man who doesn’t read has no advantage over the man who can’t read.” (Mark Twain) 

Socializing: 2024 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day

‘8 Martie – Ziua Internaţională a Femeii’
(in Ro language)
‘March 8 – International Women’s Day’
(in English language)

     A beautiful Friday on March 8, 2024, when we had a brief on-line reunion around noon time, honoring the annual
International Women’s Day! A super busy day for most of us, but we’ve quickly meet to voice few thoughts within our lovely Circle before we each spread out for different engagements of the evening.

     At this gathering, my guest of honor was Deputy Consul General Stefana Rotaru & Plenipotentiary Minister of Romania in Vancouver, who shared with us her vision as she begins a new mandate in Vancouver, as well as a beautiful message for the Romanian women who are competent contributors to the society they live in.
Consul Stefana Rotaru was kind to offer only to all participants of this gathering a consular consultation without previous appointment...indeed, a very nice gesture!

     Aside of that, during our group discussions I’ve read a poem about women, and our dear friend Dorina enumerated few remarkable Romanian women who brought significant contributions to the world; also, Dorina wrote for “Observatorul” from Toronto, an article called “Ochii Mamei” (please follow this link to read it).
     On the other hand, I would like to let you know that in Romania, on March 8^th people salute not only the International Women’s Day, but also Mother’s Day as well, making it a double celebration of womanhood.

     Our group conversations this time as well were heart-felt and to the point, reminding us to appreciate even more all the women we each have in our lives.
     Pondering a bit further on this, I would like to refresh that women have the power to take the world by storm, and at the same time they could help the world transform into a better place for all.
     We concluded our gathering on a warm note, wishing each-other only the best for the spring to come!

Until next time, my warmest regards dear ladies, and once again: Happy International Women’s Day!

● Prominent feminine personalities:
Since the focus of this meeting was International Women’s Day, here I’m glad to share with you some names of famous women who changed the world.
          ✰ Few prominent ROMANIAN WOMEN:
– Dr. Ana Aslan (1897- 1988) was a Romanian biologist & physician, founder of the first National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics in the world, having famous patients, such as John Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Augusto Pinochet, Indira Gandhi, Salvador Dali, Charile Chaplin, Claudia Cardinale, Josiph Broz Tito, Marlene Dietrich, Konrad Adenauer, Kirk Douglas, Miguel Asturias, etc.
– Architect Virginia Andreescu Haret (1894–1962) was a Romanian architect and is credited as the first woman to graduate with a degree in architecture in Romania. She is also the first woman to reach the rank of Romanian Architectural Inspector General
– Eng. Aurora Gruescu (1914-2005) was the world’s first female forestry engineer as well as the first Romanian person in the Guinness Book
– Mathematician Silvia Creangă (1894-1952) was the first female in Romania mastering the PHD in mathematics
– Physicist Ștefania Mărăcineanu (1882-1944) was an internationally renowned Romanian chemist and physicist who formulated theories about radioactivity, artificial radioactivity and the process of artificial rainfall
          ✰ Few prominent WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD: 
– Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179):  Mystic, author and composer, she lived a withdrawn life, spending most of her time behind convent walls. However, her writings, poetry and music were revelatory for the time period. She was consulted by popes, kings and influential people of the time. Her writings and music have influenced people to this day.
– Joan of Arc (1412–1431) The patron saint of France, Joan of Arc inspired a French revolt against the occupation of the English. An unlikely hero, at the age of just 17, the diminutive Joan successfully led the French to victory at Orleans. Her later trial and martyrdom only heightened her mystique
– Jane Austen (1775–1817) One of the most famous female authors of all time. She wrote several novels, which remain highly popular today. These include Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Northanger Abbey. Jane Austen wrote at a time when female writers were not encouraged, helping pave the way for future writers
– Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) One of America’s greatest poets, Emily Dickinson lived most of her life in seclusion. Her poems were published posthumously and received widespread literary praise for their bold and unconventional style. Her poetic style left a significant legacy on 20th Century poetry
– Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) Wife and political aide of American president F.D.Roosevelt. In her own right Eleanor made a significant contribution to the field of human rights, a topic she campaigned upon throughout her life. As head of UN human rights commission she helped to draft the 1948 UN declaration of human rights.
● Previous events I organized on the same theme: 
Socializing – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
● Some of my additional greetings referring to the same matter: 
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day! – March 8: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 

March 8, 2024: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

March 8: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

Ladies, on our day, I’m wishing you all good health, joy, prosperity & lasting love – today and forever!

8 Martie, 2024 
Astăzi sărbătorim femeia...acea ființă minunată care dă viața și curaj...acea ființă deosebită care este mamă, soție, fiică, prietenă, psiholog, bucătar...etc. 
Astăzi sărbătorim acea ființă care merita iubire și respect! La mulți ani, dragi femei frumoase!

● Additional background info:

ARTICLES: “International Women’s Day 2024” (Government of Canada) | “International Women’s Day” (UN headquarters)
● My previous posts on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

“Mărțișor 2024” with the Romanian Consulate

     On March 1^st, 2024, I was invited by the new Consul General of Romania in Vancouver & by his lovely wife (who is Deputy Consul General of Romania in Vancouver) at their residence to spend an evening together with several Romanian ladies, honoring “Mărțișor” – a beautiful tradition most of us are very fond of. 

     Needless to say that good cheer was in our midst! Each lady attending the event received a beautiful “Mărțișor” handed by Consul Gabriel Rotaru, nicely prepared by the consular team in Vancouver.

     I was truly pleased to have interesting conversations with both Romanian Consuls, learning about their vision as they begin a new mandate here (Rotaru family arrived to Vancouver 2 months ago).

     This posting is marking the beginning of a more ample collaboration between Alice & Friends Circle™ and the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver. Without any doubt, uniting our efforts in order to further promote our Romanian culture, as well as our ancient traditions, and the timeless wisdom of our ancestors, is something we all are very proud of.

Until our paths will meet again, from me, only the best!

Alice

NOTE 1: For quick reference, here is the media coverage for “Mărțișor” 2024

– The press release issued by the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver (also published on the Consulate’s website)

– In comments section is published the message received from Consul Ştefana Rotaru

– Here is the relating face-book post of the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver (and here is the Consulate’s face-book page)

– Here is an article about this, published by “Observatorul” from Toronto, Canada (and here the website of “Observatorul”)

NOTE 2: For the time being, the comments section of this posting was left open, so the willing guests of the evening could directly express their thoughts. 

March 1, 2024: “Mărțișor”

 MARCH 1^st of 2024 has arrived, and to all my friends who celebrate “MĂRȚIȘOR” (a beautiful Romanian tradition) I’m wishing them only the best!

March well into spring, dear ones!  

● The legend of “Mărțișor”

As a courtesy, published here in Romanian language; if you wish to translate this "Legend" into any other language, please use the automated translator installed below. Thank you!

Legenda MĂRȚIŞORULUI

La marginea unui sat trăiau într-o coliba sărăcăcioasă o femeie cu fiica ei. Ca să câștige pâinea de zi cu zi și câțiva bănuți, femeia se îndeletnicea cu torsul lânii pentru oamenii din sat. Dar tot ce câștiga dădea pe doctorii pentru fata ei care era tare bolnavă. Într-o zi, pe când torcea și plângea de mila fiicei sale, femeia văzu o caleasca de foc trecând cu iuțieală dinspre pădure spre sat. Era Crăiasa Primăvara care, auzind-o, s-a oprit și a întrebat-o de ce este așa de necăjită. Aflând de boala copilei, Crăiasa a zis...

- "Ține caierul acesta de foc și toarce-l firicel subțire, apoi leagă o fundiță și prinde-o de pieptul copilei. Puterile mele o vor trezi la viață, așa cum se trezește la viață întreaga natură după trecerea mea."

Femeia mulțumi și se apuca de lucru. Dar caierul îi ardea degetele și-i era cu neputință să rasucească un firicel cât de mic. Începu să plângă cu lacrimi grele și aproape că nu bagă de seama când o altă caleașcă de zăpadă se opri în dreptul colibei. Era Crăiasa Iarna, care dispărea cu iuțieală dinspre sat spre pădure și care, auzind necazul femeii, zise...

- "Ține caierul acesta de zăpadă... Răcoarea lui va potoli fierbițeala celui de foc. Răsucește-le laolaltă, poate așa îți pot fi de folos și eu."

Femeia mulțumi din tot sufletul și se puse pe tors. Torcea laolalta fir roșu de foc cu fir alb de zăpadă și astfel ispravi de tors cele doua caiere. Iar după ce duse la capat lucrul, legă o fundiță de pieptul fetiței. Aceasta îndată prinse putere și culoare în obrajori, sări din pat și-și îmbrățișă cu drag mama.
De atunci, în fiecare prag de primăvară, femeia împletea fundițe alb-roșii, împărțindu-le oamenilor din sat, să le aducă sanatate și bucurii.

● Reminder: a brief historical background info about “Mărțișor” (March 1)

The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), & literally means "the little March". The actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white & red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong & healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, &especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more of a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation & respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring in addition to the snowdrop flowers.

● Few relaxing moments: 
“E primăvară, iarăşi primăvară!” (Interpreter: Tudor Gheorghe) – audio   |  “Rapsodii de primăvară” (Interpreter: Tudor Gheorghe) – audio   

● Previous events I organized featuring “Mărțișor”– 2024, 2023, 2022,  2021, 2020, 2019

● My previous greetings on the same theme: “MĂRȚIȘOR” – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed).