February 24, 2025: “DRAGOBETE” Day

 “DRAGOBETE” – An old Romanian custom featuring Love (or the Romanian version of Valentine’s Day)

This authentic and special celebration of love continues to be one of the most beautiful Romanian old traditions, symbolizing romance, youth, hope and nature’s rebirth. To all my friends who observe his holiday, I’m wishing them a very happy “Dragobete” Day and a great spring to come!

Dragii mei, iubiți-vă mult, iubiți-vă sincer, iubiți-vă mereu, iubiți-vă până la final!

24 februarie 2025: DRAGOBETE – sărbătoarea iubirii, în tradiția românească.

La cumpăna dintre anotimpuri, atunci când pământul începe să se încălzească ușor, când ziua devine ceva mai lungă ca noaptea, iar frigul parcă devine ceva mai domol, chiar dacă mai sunt petice de zăpadă pe ici pe colo, românii sărbătoresc iubirea. Așa au ales ei să întâmpine primăvara – cu iubire. 

Să ne ținem de tradiții. La mulți ani de “Dragobete”!

● Refreshing a brief historical background

“DRAGOBETE” is a day rich in traditions, which differ from region to region. In general, nowadays, many Romanians exchange gifts with their partners as a way of showing their affection for each other.

On the other hand, according to one of the many legends on the matter, this day is also known as the day of "The Engagement", "The birds accompanying" or "The birds wedding." According to a popular belief, birds gather in flocks, "courting", in an indescribable turmoil &, until the end, they’ll find their pair. Together they build the nest in which to grow their offspring. According to the same old legend, the birds that do not find their pair now, they remain single until next year.

Another legend says that “Dragobete” was the son of “Baba Dochia”, who is connected with the return of spring. The traditional story tells us the in the ancient times, young men and women together would go to search the meadows for fresh spring flowers. Nonetheless, a beautiful, old, tradition worth sharing further!

● My previous greetings on the same theme: ”DRAGOBETE” – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

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). 

February 14, 2025: Happy VALENTINE’s Day!

 Dear friends, as a new Valentine’s Day is upon us, I’m taking a moment to wish you Joy, Happiness and above all, LOVE!

May the love always prevail!

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

FEBRUARY – perceived as the “month of Love”

While February is the second month in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, it was originally the very last month added to the Roman calendar. Originally, the calendar was 10 months because winter was considered a dormant, month-less period. January and February were added by the Roman king Numa Pompilius to better align the calendar with the lunar year, and February was moved to its place as the second month.
February comes from the Latin word “februa” – which means “to cleanse.” It was named after “Februalia”, the Roman festival of purification, which was a month-long festival of cleansing and atonement that took place this time of year. The month has 28 days in common years and 29 in leap years, with the 29th day being called the leap day.

But why February has been so heavily associated with love almost throughout the entire world, and why so many people at this time of the year tune into love and connectivity?

Apparently, it is presumed that the association with love might’ve been originated from the popular belief that birds paired in mid-February during middle ages, and since then, by extrapolation, humanity adopted the concept.

Additionally, February has earned a steady reputation as the month of love, primarily due to the widespread celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th.
This day is dedicated to expressing affection and appreciation for loved ones through cards, gifts, and romantic gestures.

However, the roots of Valentine’s Day trace back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions. One theory suggests that Valentine’s Day is linked to the Roman festival of “Lupercalia”, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and the coming of spring. Over time, this pagan celebration merged with Christian traditions, eventually evolving into the Valentine’s Day we know today. 
The association of February with love and romance has since become deeply ingrained in cultures around the world. It is a time when hearts beat a little faster, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of romance. As we turn the page on the calendar and step into this enchanting month, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation and excitement that permeates the atmosphere. February is also a time to reflect and emphasize love in our lives, and it can be a month for self-love and self-care, fostering relationships with family and friends, and loving others.

I’m sure that all of you know by now that each February, Romanians celebrate LOVE twice….on VALENTINE’S DAY (which is on February 14’25, this being the Western celebration of Love), and on “DRAGOBETE DAY” (which is on February 24’25…this being the ancient celebration of Love in Romania).

And as I’ve said few times by now….when we talk about LOVE, I guess the more the merrier…anyhow, I’m wishing you all a nice February, full of Love & Joy!

“Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)