COLLABORATION: 2025 – “Eminescu Year”

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The “Art” of PRESENCE

I truly believe that genuine “presence” is a beautiful “art”, which allows you to journey into the “now”!

In a world that constantly urges us forward (toward success, toward the next milestone, toward tomorrow, etc.) presence is the quiet rebellion of being here, now. It is the act of choosing not to exist in a fragmented state, divided between yesterday’s memories and tomorrow’s expectations. Presence is the full embrace of this very moment, with all its imperfections and beauty.

We live in a time where the mind is seldom still, because phones buzz, notifications demand attention, thoughts pull us in different directions. Even in moments of supposed rest, we are elsewhere – either replaying to all sorts of conversations, probably pre-empting the future, or simply scrolling endlessly on all sorts of gadgets, but in doing so, we deny ourselves the rawness of experience.

To be present it is to shed the weight of distraction; it is to taste food with full attention, it is to hear the undertones in someone’s voice, it is to feel the ground beneath our feet…in essence, it is the practice of simply being.

Be still, and listen…the wind whispers your name. Everything that matters in this moment it is already here...

On the other hand, presence is more than mindfulness. Presence it is a form of reverence, a respect for time itself, and for the breath we are given. It is sitting in silence and allowing it to settle; it is walking through a forest and realizing that every leaf has a story, every branch has danced in the wind.

When we are truly present, we do not live life at its surface, but we dwell in the depths, in the unnoticed spaces where meaning exists...could be the eyes of a loved one, holding something unspoken, or the manner in which the morning light filters through curtains, painting quiet gold across the floor, or just a simple deep exhale when the body is releasing its held tension.

The sacredness of presence – look, the sky does not hurry…it unfolds in softness, whispering to the earth: you too may rest!

Aside of that, I would like to bring forward the concept of presence in conversations, asking how often do we listen without formulating a response in our minds? How often do we hear beyond words (into pauses, into tones, into hesitations)?

I truly believe that presence in conversation it is not just about hearing – it is about understanding and about holding the space for others.

To be fully present with someone is an act of generosity, which is the opposite of self-centeredness. In other words, it is saying, “I am here with you, fully”. We do not rush their thoughts, nor do we impose our own. We allow silence where it is needed. We offer attention not as a fleeting gift, but as a steady presence.

 Speak to me in pauses, I will hear your quiet truth. In spaces between words, we meet.

Despite all our attempts to plan and anticipate, the present moment remains our only certainty. To ignore it is to abandon life itself. We often think of time as something slipping away, but perhaps it is only when we cease to notice the present that it truly escapes us.

Being present does not mean neglecting the future or disregarding the past. It simply means honoring what is here, it means living in a way that (when the moment passes) we do not have any regrets.

Concluding here my brief dissertation, I would like to emphasize that presence is an art, as well as a practice; it is the choice to immerse oneself in the richness of now, to see life for what it is, in all its depth and subtlety; it is the understanding that every breath, every passing moment, is a gift…the gift of “presence”.

Breathe in the now…it has waited for you…soft as morning light…steady as the tide.

Let presence be your quiet rebellion against distraction; let it be your devotion to life itself!

June 2025: Happy FATHER’s Day!

A Father's Day tribute today (15 June 2025)  to all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures – today it is about you…it's about the sacrifices you've made, about the wisdom you've shared, and about the love you've given, often without asking for anything in return.

Fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it's about presence…it's about being there in the moments big and /or small, teaching lessons not just through words but through actions. So today, we celebrate you. We honor the laughter, the lessons, the protection, and the unwavering support you provide, and….please do know that you are valued, you are loved and you are appreciated!

Happy  Father's  Day to all the incredible fathers out there! 

● My previous greetings on the same theme:  FATHER’s Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

June 1, 2025 – INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's Day

 Each year, on June 1: INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's DAY – it is celebrated as the International Day for Protection of Children in many countries.

We, as adults, should do our best to make sure these young souls are safe & let them enjoy their childhood with happiness & innocence as this time will never return.

Happy International Children’s Day!

La multi ani copiilor de pretutindeni!  

”Copiii sunt ca zmeiele: îi vei învăța să zboare, dar ei nu vor zbura zborul tău. 
Îi vei învăţa să viseze, dar ei nu vor visa visul tău. Îi vei învăţa să trăiască, dar ei nu-ţi vor trăi viaţa.

Dar în fiecare zbor, în fiecare vis şi în fiecare viaţă amprenta învăţăturii primite va rămâne pentru totdeauna.” (Maica Tereza)

My previous greetings on the same theme:  INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

JUNE…the “midsummer month”

JUNE (the 6^th month of the year) it is full of significance, both historically and culturally. It marks the halfway point of the year and it is the time when summer officially begins in our Northern Hemisphere (with the summer solstice, typically occurring between June 20-21, marking the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky).

The name "June" is believed to have originated from the Roman goddess Juno, who was the goddess of marriage and childbirth, and because of this, June has long been considered a favorable month for weddings. It is the threshold of summer – the month of ripening days and restless wanderings…it is the moment when spring lets go, sighing softly into the warmth of longer hours and fragrant air. In June, the sun lingers its golden thread stitching late evenings into the fabric of memory, and we can see that the lilacs surrender their last perfumed breath, while roses rise, unbowed.

June is neither a beginning nor an end, but rather a space in between – an interlude of possibilities and a summer’s overture. This month, the school bells become quiet, and somehow the city streets hum in a softer, wandering rhythm. Many gardens brim with expectations, while their roots are deepening as leaves unfold.

There is something effortless in the way June persuades – inviting us to go more often outdoors, to walk bare feet upon the warmer earth, while whispering of more and longer road trips and vacations.

In my opinion, there’s a certainty to the light in June…it arrives early & it lingers, making every shadow stretch longer, every morning softer. Also, it seems that the quality of the air itself shifts, holding promises of adventure/s, the scent of salt on distant shores & the crisp edges of impending change. This is the time of golden hours, where the world sways gently in the glow of twilight; this is a time when many conversations lengthen over patio tables, when the ice cubes are melting slowly in the hush between sentences...we watch as dusk hesitates, suspended, reluctant to surrender...beautiful moments of togetherness, having the love ones close to us.

June does not ask for urgency; it is a season of pause, of motion without hurry...the days brim with possibility, yet there is no demand.
Unlike July, with its fevered pulse, or May, which still clings to spring’s indecision, June stands confidently, balanced between what was and what will be.
It is the solstice’s quiet rebellion, a surrender to light without resistance.

June is memory before it is lived, it is the laughter carried through open windows, the scent of freshly cut grass hanging in the evening air; it is the soft unraveling of routine and the embrace of something looser – unstructured days with many moments unfolding without demand. During this time of the year, we find ourselves drawn to the simplicity of June – the ease of its warmth, the tenderness of its long-lit evenings…in this space, time is less rigid.

So, let June be what it is …an invitation to linger, a promise whispered in waves, a month that holds its breath & asks nothing but that we pause long enough to listen.

June arrives like a whispered promise, wrapping the world in golden light.

The air hums with possibility, and every sunset is a masterpiece painted in fire and rose.

Philosophers’ Café with ALICE & Friends: Spring 2025

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About the TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN BLOUSE

A traditional Romanian blouse
("Ie românească")

Dear friends, please do know that the traditional Romanian blouse ("ie" by its original Romanian name) is a significant part of the Romanian culture, not just a simple traditional peasant blouse, which these days turned out to be a symbol of Romania, proudly emphasized along with its old legends. Every "ie", along with the other items of the traditional folk costume, has its own story…metaphorically speaking, a long and beautiful journey, told in symbols, colors and magnificent embroideries, passed on from generation to generation.

This type of blouse it is entirely hand-made, from a special fabric (called approx. in English "sheer lawn"), with exquisite embroideries on the chest, back and sleeves, with designs preserved for centuries. The signs and symbols embroidered on each traditional Romanian blouse aren’t just random decorations, but each has its own significance, depending on the region, the seamstress, and the person who wore it. For example, among the symbols embellished on each blouse there could be a tree or a tree-like design, which is the symbol of life, wisdom and rebirth. The fir tree is particularly drawn on the Romanian blouse, especially in the mountain rural areas, and symbolizes the immortality, a motif seldom found in Romanian mythology.
The circle or a sunflower represent the sun, day or Divinity; in Romanian tradition, the sun was at the core of life and often associated with abundance.
Other motifs related to daily activities can be found ranging from one region to another: water (either as a river or as sea waves) and fish in the fishing villages along the rivers and sea coast, wheat or corn stems in agricultural villages, wheels or coin in crafting traders’ villages, and so on. At the same time, the colors on the blouse also vary according to the geographic region; green and gold symbolize the plains, gray, red and brown for the mountains and blue for the rivers. 

For instance, in the past, young girls from the countryside, who were not married used to wear merry colors on their blouses, combinations of red, yellow, pink & light colors, while the dark ones (brown, black, dark green) & gold were usually worn by older women, married and / or having a certain social statute.

Generally speaking, this traditional Romanian blouse ("ie" – pronounced "ee-eh") is a pretty simple blouse, commonly worn by Romanian girls and women, but has overcome its historic peasant confines, and it became an important source of inspiration for many fashion designers (ranging from less known to very well known) in Romania and abroad (for instance, high-ranking names, such as Tom Ford based his 2012 collection on the Romanian traditional motifs). 

On December 1, 2022, (on Romania’s National Day), UNESCO has decided to inscribe
the Romanian traditional blouse on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and on the same list, in 2017, “Mărțișor” was added.

Since 2013, on each June 24, Romanians around the world celebrate The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse, occasion which allows them to bring forward the richness of their cultural heritage, their traditional customs, and the timeless wisdom of their ancestors as well as their Romanian beautiful identity outfit – “ia”.
This type of celebration it is a good opportunity for all Romanians around the world to further promote this old and beautiful Romanian cultural artifact.

The tradition is alive, and the story goes on....

Symbols represented on the Romanian traditional blouses

The Romanian blouse, known as "ie," is adorned with a variety of symbols and motifs that hold a deep cultural significance. These symbols are often linked to the region of Romania where the blouse originates from and they can represent various aspects of life, such as age, marital status and social standing.

For your convenience, here are:

1) Few EVENTS I personally organized at my Circle, featuring the traditional Romanian blouse – 2023, 2022, 2021

2) The 1^st event organized in partnership with few other groups from Vancouver, featuring the Romanian blouse – 2024

3) Few promotional GREETING cards I’ve put together featuring the Romanian blouse – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

May 2025: “Happy MOTHER’s Day!”

Today (May 11, 2025) we celebrate the love, the strength and the endless support of all the incredible mothers out there – the quiet warriors, the tireless nurturers, the everyday heroes. Today, we celebrate you – the ones who gave us love before we even knew what it meant… who stood by us with strength, warmth, and endless patience. Whether you're a mom, remembering a mom, a grandma, a mother figure, or celebrating a mother figure in your life, or someone who’s poured love into others – this day is for you.

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! 

● My previous greetings on the same theme: MOTHER’s Day –2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

7 Years Anniversary of ALICE & FRIENDS CIRCLE™

 The complete briefing will be available very soon. Thank you!

Meanwhile, please continue to enjoy and appreciate this beautiful spring!

MAY….we be happy!

MAY is the 5^th month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars (it length is 31 days); it is a month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and a month of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

The spiritual meaning of May encompasses themes of renewal, growth, fertility (alongside love and relationships), abundance, and prosperity celebrations, while honoring old traditions in various cultures around the world.

May it is seen as a time when nature fully awakens – the blossoming of so many flowers, the emergence of new leaves, and the return of wildlife all serve as powerful reminders of the cycle of life (the cyclical nature of life) and the interconnectedness of all living beings. These interpretations reflect the month’s vibrancy and importance in contemporary life.

On the other hand, the month of May isn’t just a transition into summer; this period invites us to connect with nature and to embrace the dynamic energy of change (it could serve as a catalyst for personal transformation).

Many view this month as an opportunity to set fresh goals, to embrace change, and to foster self-improvement. May’s vibrant energy invites us to celebrate renewal and growth in our own lives.
It’s a perfect time to embrace change (to change what needs to be changed) and to reflect on our personal journey while appreciating the beauty around us. Activities like gardening and nature walks during May allow people to connect with the earth and promote mental clarity. For instance, starting a new exercise routine or picking up a hobby aligns with the season’s spirit of growth. Many can also benefit from the various workshops or community events, fostering not just personal advancement, but also social connections.

This month it is also marked by few important celebrations, 

such as International Workers’ Day and Mother’s Day.

Whether you’re honoring your mother or participating in cultural festivities, May offers countless opportunities to connect with others and nature. As you enjoy the blooms and longer days, remember to take a moment for yourself – set new goals or just simply enjoy the present moment.

MAY is all about fresh beginnings and deepening relationships,

so let its spirit inspire you to cultivate joy and gratitude in your everyday life!

The relevance of staying connected

Social connections are an important part of living a healthy life, and mostly refers to our relationships with the people in our network.

Extrapolating further, we can safely imply that social connections are truly about connectedness – the extent to which we engage with important, supportive people in our lives in ways that heighten our sense of belonging and well-being. 

Many scientists believe that the need to connect with other human beings is programmed in our DNA and we are “wired” for social connection.
Since prehistoric time, people have lived together in (larger or smaller) groups where they found protection, help, support, common identity and shared knowledge.

Throughout history, families lived under the same roof, where the young would look after the infants and the old ones, incapable to care for themselves. 

However, our gregarious behavior changed with the development of big urban centers, frequent job changes, family disintegration or physical distancing, progress of technology, hectic lifestyles and intense work schedules and demands. 

These days, we are more “connected” than ever via social media (for example WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.), but we lack connectedness or a sense of belonging to a group or community. Plenty of research documents show that many adults feel more isolated and lonelier than ever. Sadly, loneliness and isolation can create a reinforcing cycle that makes meaningful social connection and a feeling of connectedness harder to achieve. This slowly, but steadily, takes a toll on our physical and mental well-being. The negative effects show up in the performance at work, in people's personal lives, and in the ability to handle disruptions, uncertainty, and setbacks. 

It isn’t so much the struggles with external factors that bring people down as it is the sense of facing difficulties alone versus being in it together. 

Medical science has been writing for years about the importance of social interactions as a critical component for health, happiness and longevity.

The effect of social connectedness in our lives is so strong that when we feel rejected or suffer some other type of negative social interaction, our brain feels “hurt” in the same way than when we feel physical pain. Social pain is more similar to physical pain than we think. 

To give you an idea of how to stay connected and prevent loneliness, consider the following suggestions, highly recommended by many specialists:

- Start with yourself…becoming aware of why you act and react in certain ways may be helpful for developing more healthy ways of interacting with others. 

- Watch for your thoughts….decreasing negative self-talk will help you have a brighter outlook for life and attract people you want to interact with. 

- Say “yes” more often……participate in social events (even the online ones) or activities that interest you. 

- Get outside of your house and your head….go for a walk or run at a local park; start talking to people...you’ll make an acquaintance and possibly a new friend.

- Be proactive…even if you are an introvert; make a list of people you care about and reach out...don't wait for others to initiate contact.

- Be friendly at work….work relationships can be a source of care and comradery and a place to get support when setbacks happen. If you work in a physical office, be open to chatting for a few minutes with whomever you encounter at the water cooler or coffee machine; consider making a habit of eating lunch together each week instead of working through it.

- Be present…whenever possible, shut your computer down and meet a friend or an acquaintance for a coffee or a drink; face-to-face communication, eye contact, a smile, and closeness have amazing benefits. 

- Stay close to your inner circle….having a group of close friends promotes mental health and a quicker recovery from physical illness. It also could enhance your quality of life with good conversations and feeling supported and understood.

- Speak regularly to immediate or extended family…these are people who in some ways know you best and often will help you in challenging times.

- Spend quality time with your loved ones….organize a weekly Zoom movie club spanning 3 generations of your extended family, where each one selects a movie that everybody has to watch with a discussion to follow. 

- Prioritize social connections in your schedule…set time each week on your calendar to connect with people you care about whether personally or electronically.

- Remember the “little things”….sending a quick birthday note or a congratulation for a happy event make people know that you care about them.

- Re-establish past social connections….reliving experiences and events is a great tool to be more resilient and emotionally healthy.

- Maintain present social connections….relationships go through periods of ups and downs; however, you can keep them alive by being more patient, less judgmental, and giving people the temporary space they need.

- Join a formal group….consider enrolling in a new class, join a book club, volunteer, chat with or help a neighbor. If you are a foreigner living in an adopted country, join an expat group. There are plenty of them that cater to all ages...personal and professional interests. 

Finally, remember that life teaches us every day that our most wonderful, inspiring, happy, funny, sad, or dreadful moments have to do with people in our lives.
What keeps us healthy, meaningful, and fulfilled in our life is not money, power, or fame, but the quality of our social ties.

Making an effort to nurture and strengthen our relationships
will have the most impact on our lives and the biggest return in our happiness.

April 22, 2025: INTERNATIONAL EARTH Day

 “Earth Day 2025: Today, Tuesday, April 22, countries all over the world come together to commemorate World Earth Day, which will be celebrated for the 55th year running in 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, to achieve the ‘triple clean electricity’ target by 2030 through the usage of renewable energy.

This occasion is more than just a celebration; it is an important day for raising awareness, advocating, and engaging people in activities aimed at addressing the global climate changes and supporting environmental lifestyle adjustments.”

Happy Earth Day! May we all be inspired to care for our planet with the same love and respect it provides us!

● Basic background info:

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events in more than 193 countries, focusing on engaging more than 1 billion people, governments, institutions and businesses to recognize our collective responsibility and to help accelerate the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all.

● My previous greetings on the same theme: International Earth Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

April 2025: Happy EASTER!

 EASTER (Pascha) – a special moment of the year reemphasizing the significance of light, trust, hope and renewal.

Wishing you only the best!

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

NOTE:
Dear friends, as per your suggestions, for a little while, I left the comments section open for this card to help the ones who don't have any social media accounts but wish to express in direct a reply (or reflection) about this occasion. Many thanks!

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

⚪ARTICLES:

“Easter Traditions in Romania” | “Romanian Orthodox Easter Traditions”  |  “Romanian traditions at Easter Time”

| “Easter Traditions from Around the World” | “Easter Foods From Around the World”  | “Traditions From Around the World to Celebrate Easter”  |  “How Different Countries Around the World Celebrate Easter”

⚪ VIDEOS:

(In English language): “Incredible Egg Art Will Awe You” (Short Film done by National Geographic) |

(In English language): “Exclusiv în România: Cel mai mare muzeu din lume dedicat ouălor încondeiate”
(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 – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Friendly reminder: 

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). 

Alice’s Book Club – SPRING session of 2025

Spring is peacefully unfolding in our part of the world, allowing me to organize on Friday (April 11, 2025) the session of the current season for my Book Club series, having as guest speaker a dear friend – Daciana Healey (her biography in comments section), who spoke to our fairly large group about retirement planning and investment opportunities.

“It is not always easy to think about retirement because retirement plans do not carry the excitement usually associated with one’s life ambitions and professional goals. Yet any prudent person knows retirement planning is one of the most important decisions in life, even more now as people are living longer and social security system may not be sustainable in the long term. Planning for the long term may continue to evolve according to life circumstances which are naturally hard to predict.”

Our guest speaker this evening graciously delivered an interesting presentation, adopting the interactive approach - addressing questions as arise.

It was clearly understood that retirement planning is a very structured process, and in order to do it right you need to have a proper framework and access to a trusted financial advisor.

On the other hand, briefly talking about investment/s it helps to refresh that investing is “the act of putting money into something with the expectation of gaining a profit or income”. It can involve purchasing stocks (stocks represent ownership in a company; when you buy stocks, you can earn money if the company does well), bonds (bonds are loans to companies or governments; you earn interest over time), real estate (real estate involves buying property to rent or sell at a higher price), or even starting a business.

“The goal of investing is to grow wealth over time. However, it does come with risks….understanding these risks and potential rewards is crucial for anyone considering investment options. It is important to understand that people invest for many reasons. One common reason is to build wealth for the future. Many individuals want to save for retirement. Investing can help grow their savings over time. Others may want to reach specific financial goals, such as buying a home or funding education. Some investors seek to generate additional income through dividends or rental payments. Understanding personal financial goals helps determine the best investment strategy.”

Every investment carries some level of risk (risk refers to the chance of losing money or not achieving the expected returns).

Generally, higher potential returns come with higher risks. For example, stocks can provide great returns, but their prices can also fluctuate significantly. On the other hand, bonds are usually considered safer, but their returns are often lower. Balancing risk and return is essential for successful investing. Before investing, it’s important to conduct thorough research. Understanding the market, companies, and economic conditions can help make informed decisions. For instance, when investing in stocks, knowing a company’s performance, industry trends, and competition can be beneficial. Many investors also analyze historical data and financial statements to gauge potential risks and returns. Knowledge is key to successful investing.

Diversification (involves spreading investments across different asset types or industries) is a strategy to reduce risk. By diversifying, investors can protect themselves against losses in one area. For example, if someone invests only in technology stocks, a downturn in that sector could lead to significant losses. However, if they also invest in bonds, real estate, and other stocks, they may not lose as much. Diversification can lead to a more stable overall portfolio.

Time plays a crucial role in investing. The longer you invest, the more potential your money has to grow. This is due to a concept called compound interest (compound interest means you earn interest on both your initial investment and the interest that accumulates over time). For many, starting to invest early can lead to a more comfortable financial future, as the effects of compounding can be significant.

In summary, investing involves putting money into various assets with the hope of earning a profit. Different types of investments come with unique risks and rewards. Understanding personal financial goals and conducting research is vital. Diversifying investments can help manage risk. Finally, leveraging time can significantly enhance the growth potential of investments. Making informed choices can lead to successful investment outcomes.

Wrapping up my briefing, for your convenience, here is a “retirement financial checklist” (offered by the Government of Canada) which might help you with the process. Additionally, here is another document, called “Basics of investing” (also offered by the Government of Canada) which might bring along supplementary insights. Once again, dear friends, thank you for joining our event this evening! Until next time, from me, only the best!

Alice

“Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials: much to live on and much to live for.”

APRIL begins with a very humorous day

SPRING music for April

APRIL (the 4th month of the year) is known for its beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers and a multitude of festivals. The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open” and it is commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers beginning to “open” or bloom.

But, did you know that the 1^st day of April is called the “Fools’ Day”?

Yes… April 1^st is a day of big and small mischiefs all around the world, and the meaning of the tricks is to point out that you could be quite a gullible person.

It is not exactly known how it began, but most people believe that the origin of “April Fools’ Day” dates back to the 16^th century, and it came into existence when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar (the calendar switch happed on April 1, 1563).

“People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes
and were called ‘April fools’”, wrote “History” about this very day.

Aside of that, the timing of April Fools’ is suspiciously close to the Vernal Equinox – the time of the year when nature is known to play tricks on people with the unpredictable changes of the weather.

On the other hand, April is a month that feels like a breath of fresh air, and from a scientific perspective, it represents the full awakening of spring, which becomes a crucial time for all gardeners. The cherry blossoms are truly iconic for April in many parts of the world, especially in Japan, while Paris (at this time of the year) is considered the epitome of romance and elegance. Also, since this month is known for its weather fluctuations, in many cultures and traditions around the world, April represents a period of profound renewal encompassing the perfect blend of new beginnings, blossoming hope, and an invitation to embrace change. 

Spiritually speaking, Easter often falls in April, which is also a time of profound joy and elaborated celebrations for many.

So, dear friends, if the charm of the month inspires you, please try to put your thoughts on a piece of paper and let your heart deeply absorb the beauty that’s in the air....and don’t forget that “April showers bring May flowers”.

“April places the spirit of youth in everything around us.” (William Shakespeare)