Showing posts with label My personal greetings to you. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My personal greetings to you. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025: CANADA Day

On Canada Day (each year on July 1st), we pause to reflect not only on our history, but on the values that continue to shape our collective identity: inclusion, resilience and a commitment to progress.
From the ancestral knowledge of the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for millennia, to the aspirations of newcomers building futures in cities and communities across the country, Canada's strength lies in its diversity. It is in the tireless work of educators, healthcare workers, scientists, artists and everyday citizens who strive to build a more just, sustainable and united society.
Today is not only a celebration of past achievements, but also a call to action – a friendly reminder that citizenship demands courage, empathy and engagement.
We are stewards of a nation still growing into its full promise and the choices we make together will shape the next chapter.
May this Canada Day renew our shared purpose and inspire us to build a future worthy of our highest ideals!
● National Anthem: O Canada” – audio  
● Historic background info:
On July 1, 1867, the nation was officially born when the “Constitution Act” joined three provinces into one country: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province, which then split into Ontario and Quebec. However, Canada was not completely independent of England until 1982. The holiday called “Dominion Day” was officially established in 1879, but it wasn't observed by many Canadians, who considered themselves to be British citizens.
“Dominion Day” started to catch on when the 50th anniversary of the confederation rolled around, in 1917. In 1946, a bill was put forth to rename “Dominion Day”, but arguments in the House of Commons over what to call the holiday stalled the bill.
The 100th anniversary of the nation's official creation in 1967 saw the growth of the spirit of Canadian patriotism, and “Dominion Day” celebrations really began to take off. Although quite a few Canadians already called the holiday “Canada Day” (“Fête du Canada”), the new name wasn't formally adopted until October of 1982.
My previous greetings on the same theme: CANADA Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
NOTEDear 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)

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025 – Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE

Each year, on June 24th Romanians around the world observe The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse – occasion which allows them to honor more than a piece of traditional clothing…they celebrate a legacy woven into the very fabric of identity, memory and cultural resilience.
This day (June 24) is also known as “Midsummer Day”, or “Sânzienele” (in the Romanian folk beliefs).
The Romanian traditional blouse (Ro:ie”), with its delicate embroidery and ancient motifs, is not merely an attire; it is a chronicle of history passed from mother to daughter, from village to village, from century to century, and every stitch reflects both aesthetic mastery and profound symbolism of protection, fertility, faith, and belonging. To wear the “ie” it is to wear the voice of generations. In a globalized world, where cultural distinctiveness is too often diluted, the Romanian blouse stands as a quiet act of lasting identity and national pride; it reminds us that heritage is valuable, relevant and worthy of reverence.
Let this day be a moment to reflect on the strength of tradition and the beauty of preservation.
Honoring the “ie”, we reaffirm that identity matters and that the stories we carry are as vital as the ones we choose to tell.
Astăzi, 24 iunie 2025, celebrăm Ziua Universală a Iei...un simbol al patrimoniului imaterial românesc și emblema unei identități care transcende granițele geografice. Ia nu este doar o piesă vestimentară. Este o formă de memorie colectivă, un manuscris textil în care s-au scris cu ac și ață poveștile femeilor din sate, valorile unei comunități și viziunea estetică transmisă din generație în generație. Într-o eră a uniformizării globale, asumarea portului tradițional devine un act de importanță culturală.
Alegând să purtăm ia în 2025 (fie că suntem la Vancovuer, în București, Montreal, Londra sau în satul bunicilor)
reafirmăm apartenența la o cultură care încă respiră prin simboluri cusute cu grijă și sens.
 Această zi nu aparține trecutului, ci ne invită să regândim viitorul prin prisma identității: cum păstrăm valorile autentice într-o lume conectată digital, cum recontextualizăm tradiția fără a o simplifica sau comercializa excesiv?
Ia este vie. Astăzi, o purtăm cu recunoștință.
 Mâine, avem datoria să o înțelegem, să o transmitem, să o îmbrăcăm în semnificație.
My previous greetings on the same theme:
The Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
NOTEDear 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)

Saturday, June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025: SUMMER solstice

 Welcome, SUMMER of 2025! May you bring us joy and peaceful days!
Today (June 21, 2025) marks the summer solstice in our Northern Hemisphere, which is the longest day of the year and a quiet reminder that light, at its peak, is worth pausing for. Let it be a moment to stand still in the sun, to breathe deeply, and to recognize how far we each have come. Like the sun arcing high overhead, there are parts of our lives that are blooming now…efforts that are finally bearing fruit, warmth we've offered and received, and days that feel wide open with promise. This turning point reminds us: growth isn’t always loud or fast, but it is happening, steadily, often unnoticed. May we each lean into the light while it lasts, and carry its momentum with us into what comes next!
I truly believe that we've each got more strengths than we think & more daylight than we know!
Solstițiul de vară marchează triumful luminii asupra întunericului și ne reamintește, cu o claritate profundă, că natura funcționează după ritmuri mai vechi decât orice civilizație. Este momentul în care Soarele atinge apogeul pe cer, oferindu-ne cea mai lungă zi a anului ... o clipă suspendată în timp, în care energia, speranța și forța vitală ating cote maxime. 
Această zi nu este doar un fenomen astronomic, ci o invitație sinceră la reflecție: ce ne luminează cu adevărat drumul? 
Cum ne folosim această lumină pentru a înainta, în ciuda umbrelor?
 Într-o lume ce pare adesea haotică, solstițiul de vară ne reamintește ordinea naturală și potențialul reînnoirii.
My previous greetings on the same theme: SUMMER Solstice – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Sunday, June 15, 2025

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

Sunday, June 1, 2025

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

Sunday, May 11, 2025

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 Day20242023202220212020, 2019

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

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

Sunday, April 20, 2025

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

Thursday, March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day

 The beginning of a new cycle of life is graciously unfolding in front of our eyes….enjoy it, dear ones
Wishing you a beautiful spring time!
On March 20, 2025, the entire world is also observing the International Day of Happiness.
This year’s theme CARING AND SHARING reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected & being part of something bigger.
 Short scientific background on SPRING EQUINOX:
“Spring Equinox” is an astronomical event, nearly noticed by everyone, when the day and night are almost of an equal length, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere; this is commonly regarded as the instant of time when the plane (extended indefinitely in all directions) of Earth's equator passes through the center of the Sun. This is one of the four seasonal turning points, when the strength of the old goes into the new as the power of life blossoms with grace while Nature springs again to LIFE. 
My previous posts on the same themes: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Saturday, March 8, 2025

March 8, 2025: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

 Today, on the International Women’s Day, I extend my most sincere appreciation to all of the women in my life for making the world a better place!
I’m wishing to all the amazing women I know to always stay confident and to continue to shine brightly!
Cu ocazia zilei de 8 Martie, doamnelor și domnișoarelor,
vă doresc să fiți sănătoase, fericite, respectate și iubite!
La mulți ani – mamă, fiică, iubită, bunică, soție...FEMEIE!
  
Îți doresc să fii mereu cu un surâs cald pe buze și cu soarele în suflet...să fii mereu frumoasă ca o primăvară!
Fie ca 8 Martie să vă aducă multe motive de bucurie, iar zâmbetul să rămână mereu cu voi!
● My previous posts on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day – 2024, 20232022202120202019

Saturday, March 1, 2025

March 1, 2025: “Mărțișor”

 Another March 1st has arrived, allowing Romanians around the world to celebrate an ancient custom, called “Mărțișor”, which is considered a symbol of spring to come and the awakening of a new cycle of life in nature.
To all my Romanian friends who honor this very old and truly beautiful tradition, I’m wishing them only the best!
De la mine, un Mărțișor în dar pentru fiecare, însoțit de un gând bun!
“Primăvara este în interiorul fiecărui gând, în faptele noastre, în privirea senină pe care o revărsăm asupra celor pe care-i privim, în zâmbetul larg și sincer, pornit din inimă, în mângâierea oferită unui copil, unei ființe dragi sau unui animal de companie, într-o îmbrățișare în care am împletit șnurul mărțișorului cel mai dorit și mai scump din lume, numit dragostea! Lăsaţi-o să vă decoreze inima, în miile de culori ale bucuriei, speranţei, credinţei, dăruirii, afecţiunii, înțelepciunii, înțelegerii, recunoștinţei și iubirii! Vă doresc mult bine și senin pentru zilele primăverii care e pe drum!”
● The legend of “Mărțișor” 
(as a courtesy, published here in Romanian language…to translate it into any other language, please use the automated translator installed at the bottom of the page…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
In 2017, UNESCO decided to inscribe “Mărțișor“ on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity…please follow the links below for a more detailed reading about this significant gesture…thank you!
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.
● Previous events I organized featuring MĂRȚIȘOR” –  2024, 2023, 2022202120202019
● My previous greetings on the same theme: MĂRȚIȘOR” – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
NOTEDear 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)

Monday, February 24, 2025

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, 20212020
NOTEDear 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)

Friday, February 14, 2025

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, 20232022202120202019

Friday, January 24, 2025

January 24’25: Union of the Romanian Principalities

 Revisiting an old page of Romanian history: The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities
January 24, 1859 – January 24, 2025. 166 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.
A new occasion for all Romanians around the world and back home to honor their history, their heroes and to appreciate their national achievements.
January 24’24: To all our Romanian friends, near & far: HAPPY UNIFICATION DAY!
"Grație unirii cresc lucrurile mici, prin dezbinare se prăbuşesc cele mai mari."
La mulți ani tuturor românilor de pretutindeni cu ocazia Zilei Unirii Principatelor Române!
● A concise historic briefing:
January 24th, 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 1st, 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 1st became Romania's National Day.
● Remembering few old songs, relating to this historic moment: Unity Hora”  Ion Roată către Divan
● A short video clip I’ve put together a while ago for this occasionJanuary 24
● My previous greetings on the same theme: 
The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities, each year on January 24 – 2024202320222021

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

2025 – Happy New Year!

Good bye, 2024! Welcome 2025! 
As the wheel of time is turning once again and the sun sets on this chapter, we gather our hopes ready for the next one, keeping courage close to heart!
Happy New Year, dear ones! Make it bright! Make it amazing!
Vă doresc ca  Noul An să vă aducă tot ce aveți nevoie…pace în suflete și armonie în case…să vă împlinească visurile și să vă păstreze sănătoși și fericiți…în Lumină, Credință, Iubire și Iertare! La mulţi ani, 2025!
 LA MULŢI ANI PENTRU NOUL AN!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!  BONNE ANNÉE! ❄ FROHES NEUES JAHR!  FELICE ANNO NUOVO!  FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!  ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΈΝΟΣ Ο ΚΑΙΝΟΎΡΙΟΣ ΧΡΌΝΟΣ! 
● My previous greetings on the same theme: NEW YEAR – 2024, 2023, 2022202120202019