January 24’26: Union of the Romanian Principalities

 An old page of Romanian history: The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities

January 24, 1859 – January 24, 2026. 167 years ago, the Union of the Romanian Principalities (also known as: “The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities”, or “The Little Union”, or “The Day of The Unification of the Romanian Principalities”) took place, under the leadership of Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

On January 24, 1859, the Little Union marked a profound turning point in Romanian history …a testament to the enduring power of foresight, courage and collective commitment for the national good. The election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruler of both Moldavia and Wallachia was not just an administrative act, but it was a deliberate realization of a shared vision, an embodiment of unity achieved through compromise, patriotism and unwavering devotion to the future of a people.

This union reminds us that meaningful progress arises when individuals and institutions prioritize common purpose over narrow interests, when dialogue and principles guide action and when vision is paired with the humility to serve the greater collective. The Little Union was a demonstration that even in the complex tapestry of political and social challenges, decisive moments of courage can redefine a nation’s destiny.

For contemporary Romania, the lesson is both timeless and urgent: unity, dedication, and informed foresight are the foundations upon which enduring institutions and equitable opportunities are built.

As we honor this historic achievement, we are called to continue cultivating these values, while ensuring that
every region, every citizen, and every generation has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a strong, cohesive and forward-looking nation.
January 24’26: To all our Romanian friends, near & far: HAPPY UNIFICATION DAY, dear ones!

La mulți ani tuturor românilor de pretutindeni cu ocazia Zilei Unirii Principatelor Române! 

24 ianuarie 1859 este data la care a avut loc Unirea Țării Românești cu Moldova sub conducerea lui Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

Ziua Micii Uniri, sărbătorită anual la 24 ianuarie, reprezintă un moment definitoriu în istoria modernă a României, marcând unirea Principatelor Moldovei și Țării Românești sub domnia lui Alexandru Ioan Cuza în 1859. Acest eveniment nu este doar un act administrativ, ci un simbol al curajului, al viziunii politice și al unității naționale, demonstrând că o națiune poate transcende barierele istorice și geografice pentru a-și asuma destinul colectiv. Mica Unire a creat fundația unui stat modern și coeziv, deschizând drumul spre consolidarea economiei, infrastructurii și educației, factori esențiali pentru emanciparea socială și culturală. Această zi evocă idealurile patriotice și spiritul civic al generațiilor care au precedat-o, subliniind importanța continuității istorice și responsabilitatea fiecărei generații de a păstra și amplifica realizările înaintașilor. În lumina retrospectivă, Ziua Micii Uniri invită la reflecție asupra procesului complex de construire a statului național, evidențiind atât delicatețea compromisurilor politice, cât și energia colectivă ce stă la baza unui proiect de modernizare durabilă.

● A concise historic briefing:

January 24^th, also known as the Little Unification (Romanian: "Mica Unire") celebrates the political union of these 2 principalities, which is considered the foundation of modern Romania. The United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, also known as "The Romanian United Principalities", was the official name of the Romania following the 1859 election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruling prince (Romania: "domnitor") of both territories.

Years later, on December 1^st, 1918, the Great Union happened (Romanian: "Marea Unire"), when the 3 Romanian Principalities (Wallachia, Moldavia & Transylvania) became one country, one voice, called "Romania", and December 1^st became Romania's National Day.

● My previous greetings on the same theme: The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities, each year on January 24 – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

● A short video clip I’ve put together a while ago for this occasion: January 24

● Several highlights featuring this historic moment:

⚪ Few historic songs “Unity Hora” (Romanian: “Hora Unirii”) | “Cuvântul lui  Ion Roată către Divan” (în interpretarea lui Valeriu Penișoară)

⚪ Brief documentaries in Romanian language “Unirea Principatelor Române din anul 1859” (Arhiva TVR) | “Lecţia de istorie – Domnia și reformele lui Cuza”

⚪ A brief documentary in English language "The Proclamation of the Union of the Principalities”

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). 

Personal reflections on UNITY in 2026

 In 2026, unity emerges as both a beacon and a necessity, guiding humanity through complexity with collective strength and shared purpose.

As the world turns the page into 2026, unity carries a renewed, almost urgent resonance. In a landscape shaped by rapid technological leaps, global interdependence and social fragmentation, unity is no longer a mere moral aspiration – it is the foundation upon which societies can thrive.

As I think more about this, a timeless verse comes to my mind:

“Hold fast to one another, for together we sail against the storms.”

Indeed, the many storms of our modern life (such as climate upheaval, health crises, cyber threats) eloquently reveal that individual effort alone is insufficient; only coordinated action with empathy and trust suffices.

I truly believe that the essence of unity lies in the recognition that collective endeavor amplifies individual capacities.

If we slow down a bit and thing, we can hear history whispering this timeless truth: “United we stand, divided we fall.” And we all know that from movements concerning social justice to breakthroughs in science and technology, the principle endures.

On the other hand, nowadays, unity could simply manifest in communities that bridge cultural diversity, while consciously are harmonizing differences into shared strength. Festivals, public art projects and cultural exchanges exemplify how unity can celebrate variety rather than suppress it. Each language, tradition and perspective becomes a thread in the rich tapestry of societal resilience.

Further, it is perceived that global challenges cast unity not merely as an ideal but as an imperative. The echoes of the most recent difficult times the entire world went through continue to remind us that coordinated, global responses could save lives and resources.

Also, with the specters of climate change, dwindling natural resources and the super complex cyber infrastructures, nations and communities that act in accord are poised to navigate obstacles effectively; shared values, transparent communication and mutual trust become instruments through which solutions are realized and scaled for the common good.

On a personal level, unity fosters both social and emotional well-being. Human connections (within families, workplaces, or civic circles) flourish when empathy, respect and collaboration prevail…teams achieve creativity and innovation; communities cultivate belonging and resilience.

I think that unity serves as a great balm against polarization, nurturing spaces where fairness and inclusivity can thrive. The poet’s words resonate here: “In the quiet joining of hearts, mountains move and rivers bend.” In unity, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

The philosophical depth of unity also calls for reflection. It challenges individuals to transcend self-interest and envision collective welfare as integral to personal fulfillment. Far from erasing individuality, genuine unity draws strength from diversity, converting differences into sources of insight and innovation. By embracing cooperative frameworks, societies cultivate courage, wisdom and adaptability.

In conclusion, I truly believe that 2026 presents extraordinary opportunities and daunting challenges that make unity indispensable. Whether in fostering national solidarity, promoting global cooperation, or enriching personal relationships, unity illuminates the path to shared human progress.

By celebrating diversity, embracing collaboration, and prioritizing empathy and solidarity, communities can thrive even amid uncertainty. 

As the world moves forward, let these words guide us: “One hand, many fingers; one heart, many beats; together, we become whole.”

Unity is not merely the principle of progress, but rather the living pulse that sustains a connected, equitable and resilient humanity.

 UNITY blooms like dawn across divided hills, turning whispers of many hearts into a symphony that shapes tomorrow. 

January 2026: Romania’s Culture Day

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

Thoughts at the beginning of the year (January 2026)

Reflecting upon 2025, it’s clear that this past year has been a profound teacher in many ways. It is safe to state that personal growth often comes in many subtle increments rather than dramatic, spectacular, leaps, and 2025 offered us all numerous opportunities to observe, adapt and recalibrate.

In my opinion, one of the foremost lessons of the past year was the importance of resilience. For many, life tested patience with unexpected challenges, from professional roadblocks to health and personal commitments. Personally, I’ve noticed that resilience is not merely about enduring hardship, but about shaping mindset to view obstacles as catalysts for creativity and reflection. From this perspective, each setback could become a prompt to reconsider priorities, strengthen core values, and approach tasks with renewed inventiveness and problem-solving strategies.

Another revelation was the value of presence and attentiveness. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and constant stimulation, it becomes apparent that real growth happens when we pause and truly engage – whether in conversations, creative projects, or daily routines. Practicing mindfulness is not just enhancing the emotional well-being, but it amplifies efficiency and clarifies the decision-making process.
Being present underscores the importance of quality over quantity, whether in relationships or commitments, teaching that intentionality often yields deeper satisfaction than mere busyness.

2025 also reinforced for many the significance of learning to deal with vulnerability. Authentic connections (both personal and professional) are flourishing when honesty and transparency are sincerely embraced. Experiencing discomfort when sharing true perspectives or asking for support when needed are revealing that vulnerability is inherently linked with real courage. Relationships are deepening and opportunities could unfold much better when we allow ourselves slower moments, because authenticity fosters trust and mutual respect. 

Additionally, I truly believe that 2025 illuminated the power of adaptability. Circumstances (social, economic, or environmental) shifted in ways that demanded flexibility and open-mindedness. Many plans required creative pivots and success often emerged not from rigid adherence to expectations, but from the capacity to respond dynamically…these moments are good reminders that ambition drives progress and adaptability ensures sustainability.

Finally, reflecting on small yet meaningful habits highlighted their cumulative impact. Whether it was a dedicating time for daily learning, or cultivating physical wellness, or establishing brief moments of reflection, these patterns became the scaffolding for larger achievements. Small intentional actions compounded, resulting in enhanced productivity, emotional stability and creative output.

As we step into 2026, here are some important points, I think worth sharing further:

– Resilience equips us to navigate unforeseen challenges with composure and optimism

– The practice of mindfulness ensures that our actions are deliberate and our connections are genuine

– Embracing vulnerability nurtures trust and collaboration, while adaptability prepares us to respond to change with agility and insight

– The recognition of small and consistent habits reminds us that lasting growth is often the product of sustained, everyday effort/s rather than monumental shifts.  

In essence, I truly believe that 2025 provided each of us (a way or another) a roadmap of personal insights, an outline of principles that if we choose to carry consciously into 2026, could foster a year rich in growth, clarity and meaningful engagement.

As the new year unfolds, the commitment is not to replicate past experiences, but to integrate those lessons deliberately, allowing them to shape how we think, respond and live; by doing so, we position ourselves not only to achieve goals, but to approach life with intentionality, adaptability, and a deeper human connection, crafting a 2026 filled with mindful progress and enduring personal fulfillment.

Time carries the wisdom of past seasons,
yet the first light of a new year holds the power to reshape what we choose to see, trust or build.

2026 – Happy New Year!

 Good bye, 2025! Welcome, 2026!

As we all welcome 2026, may insight guide our actions and perseverance shape our achievements,
with each moment embraced as an opportunity for growth and meaningful contribution!

The calendar turns once again, allowing us to approach the New Year with reflection and intentionality, where each day presents a chance to strengthen knowledge, to uphold integrity and to extend empathy in our interactions. All these being said, I wish you pursue your endeavors with rigor and clarity, remembering Aristotle’s observation, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Also, please allow this year to be measured not merely by accomplishments, but by deliberate commitment to learning, resilience and ethical engagement. Let 2026 stand as a year where disciplined thought meets heartfelt action, and where persistence transforms aspirations into enduring impact!

May every sunrise in 2026 be a reminder that action creates momentum, and momentum creates change.

Dragii mei,

Pe măsură ce pășim în anul 2026, să privim înainte cu luciditate și curaj intelectual. Acest nou început ne oferă oportunitatea de a reflecta critic asupra experiențelor trecute și de a proiecta acțiuni deliberate, aliniate valorilor noastre fundamentale. Fie ca deciziile luate să fie bazate pe cunoaștere, onestitate, integritate și rațiune, iar eforturile personale și colective să contribuie la progresul și la dezvoltarea armonioasă a noastră personală, cât și a comunității din care fiecare facem parte. Cu sigurantă că anul 2026 poate fi perceput ca o pagină albă, unde rigurozitatea gândirii și integritatea acțiunii devin instrumente esențiale pentru construirea unui viitor plin de sens și împlinire.

Să întâmpinăm Noul An cu inima deschisă, încrezători, pozitivi și cu intenția de a transforma fiecare provocare într-o oportunitate! La mulţi ani, 2026!

❄ LA MULŢI ANI PENTRU NOUL AN! ❄ HAPPY NEW YEAR! ❄ BONNE ANNÉE! ❄ FROHES NEUES JAHR! ❄ FELICE ANNO NUOVO! ❄ FELIZ AÑO NUEVO! ❄ ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΈΝΟΣ Ο ΚΑΙΝΟΎΡΙΟΣ ΧΡΌΝΟΣ! ❄

New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic 2026 (fragment) – short video clip

● My previous greetings on the same theme: NEW YEAR – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Philosophers’ Café with ALICE & Friends: Winter 2025

 The complete briefing will be available soon. Thank you!

December 25, 2025: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May these quiet days of reflection help us recognize the profound gifts already present in our lives. As Charles Dickens wrote once upon a time, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” make it for a beautiful reminder that generosity, kindness and care need not be confined to a season, but guide all our daily actions. In the stillness of winter, let us acknowledge that our shared humanity and the small acts of love we perform carry timeless value.

I encourage each of you to let the spirit of Christmas inspire thoughtful reflection, purposeful generosity and a renewed commitment to the well-being of those around you, shaping the year ahead with enduring presence and clarity.

❄ MERRY CHRISTMAS! ❄ FRÖHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN! ❄ CRĂCIUN FERICIT! ❄ BUON NATALE! ❄ ΚΑΛΆ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΎΓΕΝΝΑ! ❄

”Christmas is not as much about opening our presents, but rather about opening our hearts.”

Crăciun fericit!

Ca în fiecare an și de această dată, Crăciunul ne invită să reflectăm asupra umanității, generozității și conexiunilor care dau sens vieții, într-un cadru de sinceritate și introspecție. Este important de subliniat că totuși Crăciunul nu este doar un interval temporal marcat de lumini și cadouri, ci o oportunitate de a contempla valorile fundamentale care ne definesc ca oameni. În acest context, generozitatea și empatia devin pilonii experienței noastre colective, iar împărtășirea bucuriei cu cei apropiați reafirmă importanța comunității și a solidarității.

Putem observa lejer că festivitățile de iarnă stimulează reflecția asupra trecerii timpului și asupra propriei vieți: ele întăresc legăturile sociale și oferă un cadru propice de reconectare atât cu tradițiile, cât și cu propriile pasiuni și motivații. Sincera întâlnire cu semnificația Crăciunului poate genera un efect profund asupra echilibrului sufletesc și asupra perspectivei noastre asupra vieții. Astfel, Crăciunul se configurează nu doar ca o sărbătoare, ci ca un exercițiu de introspecție și regenerare morală..un important moment în care gesturile simple, dar bine intenționate, pot reînnoi speranța și pot întări legăturile sociale și emoționale care ne definesc cu adevărat; este o invitație directă de a trăi autentic valorile pe care le celebrăm, indiferent de circumstanțe.

”Spiritul Crăciunului se manifestă în capacitatea fiecăruia de a oferi fără a aștepta recompense;

civilizația se afirmă prin micile acte de bunătate care se răspândesc în comunitate.”

● My previous greetings on the same theme: CHRISTMAS – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 

Honoring the roots that whisper through time

In an era dominated by technology, rapid urbanization and global interconnectedness, it is easy to lose sight of the origins that have shaped us.

Our roots (whether familial, cultural or ecological) form the foundation upon which our present and future are built; they anchor our identity, shape our values and inform our sense of belonging. Recognizing and respecting these roots is not simply an act of nostalgia, but rather a vital step toward personal authenticity, social cohesion and environmental stewardship.

I’m taking a moment here to portray the understanding of roots beyond the physical realm. When we are speaking about our origins (about our ancestral roots), we might first imagine family trees, ancestral lands or historical legacies. Indeed, our familial and cultural backgrounds provide context for who we are, yet, roots extend beyond this tangible imagery…they include the lessons, our traditions and narratives that have been passed down from generation to generation. These intangible inheritances (such as stories, rituals and/or moral frameworks) carry within them the wisdom of survival, adaptation and creativity, and by acknowledging these, we honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, allowing their experiences to guide our decisions and enrich our perspectives.

Modern life often places a premium on novelty and progress, sometimes at the expense of continuity. However, there is an interplay between personal growth and ancestral wisdom. When we refer to personal growth, we don’t have to reject traditions, because those could easily enhance who we are. Imagine the roots of a tree: exposed to winds and storms, the tree grows taller and stronger by remaining anchored. Similarly, individuals flourish when they remain connected to the guiding principles of their ancestry while navigating contemporary challenges. Insights from previous generations (how did they cope with scarcity, how did they nurture relationships, or did they preserve community) always could serve as tools for resilience, empathy and ethical engagement.

Further, on a societal level, respecting our roots fosters cohesion and continuity; to a certain extent, our roots define our cultural and collective identity. Consider here the arts, the music or the culinary traditions that define regional and cultural identities. These manifestations of heritage do more than entertain …they transmit values, collective memory and the unique textures of communal life. In cities like Vancouver, where diverse cultures converge, honoring familial and cultural roots could promote mutual respect, empathy and a shared sense of history. When communities actively preserve and celebrate their traditions, they offer a stable framework that supports social trust and intergenerational dialogue.

Roots are not limited to human or cultural lineage; they also encompass our relationship with the natural world. Environmental roots could offer a deeper connection to a certain place. Ecological systems, like human communities, have histories, interdependencies and lineages. Respecting our environmental roots involves recognizing the bioregions and ecosystems that have sustained human life for centuries. Indigenous knowledge systems, for example, exemplify profound understanding of land stewardship, seasonal cycles and sustainable resource management. By learning from and honoring these environmental roots, contemporary society could craft models of coexistence that mitigate ecological degradation and foster resilience in the face of climate change.

Also, a critical mechanism through which we maintain and respect our roots is storytelling. The role of memory and storytelling could be significant. Stories (whether recorded histories, oral narratives, or family anecdotes) act as bridges between past and present, as they encode experiences, celebrate values and communicate moral lessons. Engaging with these narratives not only enhances personal identity, but also promotes collective memory, fostering empathy across generations.
In many traditional communities, storytelling is not merely entertainment; it is the method by which knowledge, ethics and survival strategies are transmitted, and by consciously committing these stories to memory or documentation, we ensure continuity and reinforce our sense of belonging in a very profound manner.

Despite their importance, roots are often under threat in fast-paced, globalized societies, and we all are noticing that it could become quite challenging to honour the ancestral roots in a globalized age. Migration, urbanization and technological saturation can create disconnection from place/s and ancestry. Younger generations may feel estranged from traditional practices or languages, while older generations fear the erosion of previously held cultural knowledge.
Mass media and global consumer culture sometimes homogenize traditions, diluting their specificity and meaning. Without any doubt, these shifts highlight the necessity of intentional efforts to preserve, interpret and adapt roots to contemporary contexts without losing their intrinsic value.

From a practical perspective, here are few ways we each could adopt in order to further honor our roots:

– Education and awareness: engage with your family and community history, learn local customs and document ancestral stories

– Cultural preservation: support cultural institutions, participate in traditional festivals and advocate for the protection of heritage sites

– Sustainable practices: foster relationships with the land through gardening, conservation efforts, or learning from elders about the ecological traditions

– Intergenerational dialogue: create platforms for elders and youth to exchange knowledge, fostering mutual respect and continuity

– Personal reflection: integrate lessons from the past into daily decisions, ethical frameworks, and personal growth practices.

Honoring our ancestors it is not about dwelling in the past; it is about enriching the present and guiding the future, it is about bridging the past with the future.
Such approach could provide an interesting perspective in a world often overwhelmed by the fleeting and the novel. Rootedness encourages careful reflection, enduring relationships and resilient communities. By anchoring ourselves to the origins that have shaped us, we create a synthesis where tradition and innovation coexist, guiding our individual and collective evolution.

In essence, the act of respecting our roots is synonymous with embracing wholeness, recognizing that the present is a continuation of a story that began long before us and it will continue long after us. Each act of remembrance, each effort to preserve a tradition and each encounter with the wisdom embedded in our lineage reinforces identity, enriches community, and fosters sustainable interaction with the world. To honor our roots is to honor life’s continuum, drawing strength from the past while cultivating a meaningful and ethical present.

By actively engaging with our roots (through personal reflection, cultural celebration, environmental stewardship and storytelling) we weave a richer tapestry of life, and in doing so, we not only honor those who came before, but also plant seeds for future generations to flourish with awareness, appreciation and resilience.
Our roots are more than history; they are the living threads connecting us to a meaningful existence, a guide to navigating complexity and a source of profound belonging in an ever-changing world.

Respecting our roots is, ultimately, an invitation to journey even deeper into the essence of who we are, where we are coming from and the legacies we wish to leave.

Respecting our roots affirms life itself, illuminating the path from the past to the present, while extending hope and wisdom toward the generations yet to come.

"The deeper the roots, the stronger the tree stands against the storm."

December 21, 2025: WINTER Solstice

On this Winter Solstice (here, in our part of the world, on 21^st December 2025), as the Northern Hemisphere reaches its longest night, we are invited into a space of reflection and renewal. The darkness is not absence, but a profound opportunity for introspection, more of a necessary interval for growth and clarity.

Just as the Earth pauses in its orbit, attending to the quietest and most foundational aspects of its cycle, we too may pause to examine the year behind us: its lessons, its challenges and its moments of insight. In this stillness, we could recognize the resilience cultivated in the shadows and the wisdom earned in the unilluminated hours. With each passing minute, the returning light reminds us that endurance and patience could foster transformation.

Let this solstice be a marker: a moment to release what no longer serves us, to honor what has persisted and to consciously step toward the emerging light with intention and purpose. As the sun begins its gradual ascent, I believe that it would be wise to approach the coming year with deliberate clarity, grounded in reflection and motivated by vision. I wish you meet each new day with renewed strength and purpose!

“The solstice teaches that endings hold the seeds of beginnings.” (Carl Jung)

Solstițiul de iarnă marchează un punct de răscruce în ciclul cosmic al luminii și timpului. În această zi (cea mai scurtă a anului), soarele pare să ”stea pe loc”, oferindu-ne un moment propice pentru reflecție asupra fluxului natural al existenței. Cred cu tărie că această perioadă este o ocazie foarte potrivită de a contempla ciclurile vieții, de a recunoaște efemeritatea și continuitatea simultan, cât și de a ne reconecta cu ritmurile solare ce au ghidat omenirea încă din timpuri preistorice. Ne este la toți clar că acest eveniment astral ne amintește că, în întunericul aparent al iernii, există întotdeauna un potențial concret pentru renaștere, speranță și începuturi noi, iar această specială perioadă a anului ne invită să îmbrățișăm introspecția și planificarea conștientă pentru anotimpurile ce urmează.

”Solstițiul de iarnă marchează un punct critic în calendarul natural:
 natura se oprește, oamenii contemplă, iar fiecare zi care urmează promite mai multă lumină, mai multă claritate, mai multe posibilități.”

● My previous greetings on the same theme: WINTER solstice – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

Group celebration – ROMANIA’s NATIONAL DAY 2025

 The complete briefing will be available soon. Thank you!

Meanwhile, once again to all Romanians on December 1^st, 2025: HAPPY NATIONAL DAY, Romania!

December 1, 2025: ROMANIA's NATIONAL Day

Each year, on December 1^st, Romania’s National Day awakens hearts across the Carpathians and beyond, as cities shimmer with tricolor banners and rhythms of historic pride. In the country and abroad, street parades blend ceremonial precision with local festivities, while the echoes of 1918 reverberate in museums, lectures, and spirited scholarly discussions. Citizens, young and elderly alike, partake in cultural exhibitions and folklore performances, their laughter mingling with brass bands and church bells. Across villages and urban centers, shared meals and heartfelt toasts celebrate unity, resilience and heritage. In classrooms and cafés, debates about history and progress enrich minds. Romania honors yesterday while embracing tomorrow, with collective joy and reflective pride.

As we celebrate Romania's National Day,
let us recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for our nation and its people.

To further honor Romania’s National Day, here are some of my thoughts, written directly in Romanian language

To translate this into English or into any other language, please use the automated translator installed at the bottom of the page. Thank you!

În inima toamnei, când frunza aurie dansează tăcut peste câmpiile întinse ale României, sufletul nostru se înalță într-un cor de amintiri și speranțe. Ziua Națională devine nu doar o dată pe calendar, ci o simfonie a istoriei, a jertfei și a visului neîntinat al unui popor care știe să păstreze înțelepciunea străbunilor săi și curajul celor care au luptat pentru libertate. Fiecare colț de țară, de la munții plini de vârfuri albastre, la dealurile molcome și până la câmpurile roditoare, pare să șoptească poveștile eroilor și frumusețea simplității vieții românești. În acest cadru, inimile se deschid ca tezaure de speranță și recunoștință, iar drapelul tricolor pulsează ritmic, unindu-ne prin roșu, galben și albastru într-un legământ invizibil, dar puternic. Ne amintim cu mândrie de tradiții, de folclorul care vibrează prin cântece și dansuri, de literatură și artă care modelează cultura noastră. Astăzi celebrăm nu doar trecutul, ci și prezentul, forța comunităților și visul unei Românii ce își croiește drum prin provocările vremurilor. Să pășim înainte, cu respect pentru rădăcini și cu încredere în viitor, purtând în priviri lumina pe care doar inimile mândre, unite, o pot reflecta. Această zi ne inspiră să fim mai buni, mai aproape de valorile care ne definesc și mai devotați țării noastre dragi, România, în eternul său cântec.

La mulţi ani, România! La mulți ani tuturor românilor de pretutindeni!

● Few Romanian patriotic songs:

Romanian National Anthem: “Deşteaptă-te Române” (RO/EN)  | “Pui de lei”   |  “Treceți batalioane române Carpații“

 “Țara noastră-i țara noastră” (Nicu Alifantis)  |   “Țara de unde vin” (Nicu Alifantis)  

● Brief historical background:

This is one of the most important Romanian national holidays, and it is called the “Great Union Day” or the “Unification Day” (Romanian: "Ziua Marii Uniri") and in many parts of the world it is known as “National Romania Day”.  This special holiday marks the unification of Transylvania, Bessarabia and Bukovina with the Romanian Kingdom in 1918. According to ‘Alba Iulia Proclamation’, all these Romanian regions joined Romania as a country.

The Union marked the country’s history forever, but after that Romania had to pass through many other changes and challenges and some of them included the World War II, the Communist regime and the 1989 Revolution. Despite numerous hardships, it is also appropriate to mention that Romania still looks ahead with sound optimism, but it does not forget its past. 

● My previous greetings on the same theme: ROMANIA's NATIONAL Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 

DECEMBER – month of the winter solstice

DECEMBER (the 12^th month of the year in Gregorian calendar), carries a unique energy as the final month of the year, at the same time marking both an ending and a new beginning. The crisp air touched with a fine scent of pine, early sunsets casting long shadows and the twinkle of festive lights all combine to create a palpable sense of transition. It is a month that invites us to pause and reflect, to celebrate the connections we hold dear, and to renew our inner sense of purpose.
There is a quiet magic woven into December’s fabric…a magic that speaks not only to the external world of seasons and holidays, but also to the internal world of aspiration, gratitude and human connection. 

In my opinion, one of the most profound gifts of December is its invitation to reflection. Standing at the threshold of a new year, we are naturally called to look back over the past. It is a time to acknowledge achievements, however small, and to reconcile with the missteps or missed opportunities we may have encountered. Reflection is not merely an exercise in self-assessment; it is a way of recognizing growth as a continuous journey, because each experience, challenge and victory has contributed to the fabric of who we are today. By taking the time to pause amidst the bustle of daily life, December reminds us to honor the trajectory of our lives, to appreciate the resilience that has carried us and to see the wisdom embedded in our experiences. 

Beyond reflection, December is often characterized by celebration and connection. Across cultures, various holidays converge during this month, infusing communities with warmth, light and togetherness.

For many, December is filled with the joy of giving (whether through gifts, acts of kindness, or generous gestures of time and attention).

There is a profound psychology behind this act of generosity: giving connects us with others, strengthens bonds and cultivates empathy. Sharing in the celebration, whether through family traditions, communal meals, or festive decorations, fosters a sense of belonging and amplifies the human capacity for love and gratitude.

December’s festivities remind us that joy is not only found in the material, but also in the shared experiences that anchor our social and emotional lives.

The seasonality of December also carries symbolic meaning. In our Northern Hemisphere, it is a time of cold, early nights and dormant landscapes. Nature itself appears to pause, conserving energy for the renewal that spring will bring. In this stillness, there is an opportunity for introspection and regeneration, as the quietude of December encourages mindfulness (which is the practice of being present in the moment, observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, and cultivating internal clarity). Just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for new growth, we are invited to consider what aspects of our inner lives may need release or reassessment. December, then, becomes a metaphorical winter garden, where the soul can rest, replenish, and ready itself for the growth of the coming year. This notion of renewal is closely tied with hope. While December may bring shorter days and longer nights, it also ushers in the promise of new beginnings. There is a way in closing one chapter and preparing for the next, and the onset of a new year amplifies the desire for personal evolution. Hope in December is not merely wishful thinking; it is an active, intentional framing of the future. It is about setting intentions, envisioning personal and communal goals, and cultivating the courage to embrace change. By consciously aligning reflection with foresight, we transform the closing of one year into a launchpad for growth (and change) in the next.

December also calls us to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. The pressures of a year’s end (deadlines, travel, social obligations, etc.) may feel overwhelming, yet they also offer a blueprint for resilience. By cultivating patience, adaptability, and gratitude, we harness these challenges as catalysts for strengthening our character and deepening our relationships. In this light, December becomes more than a month of exterior warmth and light; it is a crucible for personal development, resilience, and the capacity to embrace life fully, even in its complexities.

Additionally, valuable insights can be drawn from December’s interplay of light and dark. The shortening days and longer nights prompt reflection on dualities present in life: joy and sorrow, loss and gain, stillness and activity. Recognizing this duality expands our consciousness and enhances our capacity for empathy and understanding. The contrast makes moments of light more luminous, reminding us that even in darker times, the potential for joy, connection and awe remains; embracing these contrasts allows us to navigate life with equanimity and to appreciate the richness of human experience.

Furthermore, December teaches the value of ritual and symbolism. From lighting candles and decorating trees to writing cards and sharing meals, the traditions observed during this month are imbued with meaning. They serve as anchors, providing structure amidst the flux of daily life and reinforcing our sense of identity and belonging. These rituals connect us to the past, ground us in the present, and project our hopes into the future, while offering continuity, stability and comfort. By engaging with meaningful practices, we tap into a reservoir of cultural and personal significance that strengthens both the individual and collective spirit.

Finally, December is an invitation to mindfulness, gratitude and intentionality. In the face of holiday hustle and the transition to a new year, it is easy to become swept up in obligations and expectations. Yet, by slowing down, practicing presence and cultivating gratitude for the small, profound moments, we find a deeper resonance within the month. Simple walks observing snowflakes, conversations over warm cups of tea, or reflective journaling can become sources of insight and light. By embracing mindfulness, we transform ordinary experiences into powerful opportunities for connection and growth, fostering a sense of completeness even amidst endings. In essence, December is more than a calendar designation; it is a state of mind, a period rich in reflection, celebration, renewal and hope. It challenges us to reflect on our journeys, to engage meaningfully with those around us, to find beauty in stillness and to embrace life with joy and courage. By approaching December with intention and mindfulness, we cultivate a practice of living fully, acknowledging the passage of time while actively shaping the next chapter of our lives. In its cold, luminous days, December whispers a profound truth: endings carry within them the seeds of beginnings, and in reflecting, celebrating, and renewing, we come closer to the essence of what it means to be alive.

Let December be a reminder to live with gratitude, to embrace hope, to celebrate connection, and to emerge from the month with a heart ready for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. It is a reminder that the ebb and flow of the seasons mirror the rhythms of our lives and that we can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful experience of our shared human journey. By cherishing December’s quiet wisdom and festive generosity alike, we uncover a path forward that is thoughtful, inspired, and alive with possibilities.

"December is a mirror of time, reminding us that every ending holds the promise of a new beginning."