Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Socializing: 2023 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day

On Wednesday (March 8, 2023), I was truly happy to be able to meet on-line with several dear friends for a quick celebration of 
International Women’s Day!

At this gathering, before we proceeded with
In loving memory of
  Rodica Phillip
our talks, we held a moment of silence to honor the memory of our dear friend, Rodica Phillip, who recently transitioned. Rodica was part of our Circle, a wonderful human being, who always brought interesting  perspectives to our group conversations. 
I truly loved Rodica because she was a positive lady, with a great attitude, always willing to learn and grow, and (as I’ve said before) she was a wonderful supporter of our Circle. Without any doubt, she will be deeply missed by many! Taking that moment of silence, allowed us to really be reflective and remember all those beautiful moments when we laughed together! Sometimes, a moment is all you need to feel grounded in both yourself and your community; it is fascinating how something so focused on sharing could be also so individualistic!

Then our evening continued with the theme of the day: womanhood! Lots of questions were tossed around, personal perspectives were openly shared, and useful tips were freely given away.  Also, I was truly grateful that Mihai joined us, because he clearly explained, from a medical standpoint, how many external factors could affect woman’s femininity, and the link between women’s femininity and women’s health. Super interesting concepts, eye opening and definitively worth pondering upon! The evening continued with a number of poems that I and few other ladies from the group recited. It was truly lovely!

Also, since the focus of this meeting was International Women’s Day, here I’m glad to share with you some names of famous women who changed the world.
· Only few famous ROMANIAN WOMEN:
Elisa Leonida Zamfirescu (1887–1973): she was the first female engineer in Europe. She was born in the Romanian town of Galați. She intended to attend “Bridges and Roads University” in Bucharest, but was rejected because she was a female. She qualified as engineer in Berlin (Germany), at the “Royal Technical Academy”. During World War I she managed a hospital in Romania.
Elena Caragiani Stoenescu (1887–1929): she was the first woman aviator in Romania. She graduated from the pilot school in Bucharest, but her applications for a license were rejected by the Romanian authorities, at that time. For this reason, she left for France, and two years later, she received her license, issued by the “International Aeronautical Federation”, being one of the first 15 female pilots in the world
Elena Văcărescu (1864–1947): she was a Romanian aristocrat writer, having a rich literary activity in Paris. Twice, she was a laureate of the “Académie Française”, for her writings (called “Chants d’Aurore”). In 1925 she became member of the Romanian Academy (in Bucharest)
Elena Negruzzi (1876–1948): she was a women's rights activist (in Romania), and the first female lawyer in Romania (1913). She was allowed to join the Iasi Bar only after 6 years of systematically applying and being rejected due to the fact that she was a woman. She was a co-founder of the women's organization “Association for the Civil and Political Emancipation of Romanian Women“ (1917), the “Group of Democratic Lawyers” (1935) and “The Women's Front” (1936)
Elena Ghica (1828–1888): she was the first woman to climb the Swiss Alps. She came from a wealthy family and already at the age of 10 could speak 9 languages and at age 14 she translated into German language Homer’s “Iliad”
Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu (18761955): she was a famous Romanian writer…a novelist of the Romanian interwar period, and her most famous novels were “Bach music concert”, “Hidden road”, and “Roots”
· Only few famous WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD: 
Marie-Sophie Germain (1776–1831): she was a French mathematician whose work is still used in the construction of skyscrapers. She was also physicist and philosopher. Despite initial opposition from her parents and difficulties presented by society, she gained education from books in her father's library, including ones by Euler, and from correspondence with famous mathematicians such as Lagrange, Legendre, and Gauss (under the pseudonym of Monsieur LeBlanc). One of the pioneers of elasticity theory, she won the grand prize from the “Paris Academy of Sciences” for her essay on the subject. Her work on “Fermat's Last Theorem” provided a foundation for mathematicians exploring the subject for hundreds of years after. Because of prejudice against her sex, she was unable to make a career out of mathematics, but she worked independently throughout her life
Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (1815–1852): she was an English mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, and to have published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. As a result, she is often regarded as the first computer programmer (as she created the concept of an operating system, or software)
Marie Curie (1867–1934): she was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She is regarded as the mother of modern physics. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win a Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. Her husband, Pierre Curie, was a co-winner of her first Nobel Prize, making them the first-ever married couple to win the Nobel Prize and launching the Curie family legacy of five Nobel Prizes. She was, in 1906, the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris
Clarissa Harlowe Barton (1821–1912): she was an American nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War, a teacher, and a patent clerk. Since nursing education was not very formalized at that time, she did not attend a nursing school, but she provided self-taught nursing care. Barton is noteworthy for doing humanitarian work and civil rights advocacy at a time before women had the right to vote. In 1973, her name was added to the National Women's Hall of Fame
Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlöf (1858–1940): she was a Swedish author, and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature (in 1909). She published her first novel ("Gösta Berling's Saga") at the age of 33. Additionally, she was the first woman to be granted a membership in the Swedish Academy, in 1914.

As you can imagine the list of amazing women is absolutely enormous, and here my intention was to mention only a couple in order to emphasize yet again that women make history too and they also make our lives better, either by making amazing discoveries, or by writing phenomenal stories, or by participating in politics, or by advocating for human rights, while they love and take care of their families as well.

Our time together was heart-nourishing, and we concluded this warm evening on a peaceful note, wishing each-other only the best for the spring to come!
Until next time, my very best regards to all, and once again, dear ladies: 
Happy International Women’s Day!
Previous events I organized on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 
My additional greetings referring to INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day! – March 8: 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)

March 8, 2023: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

International Women's Day (each year, on March 8th) is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
Wishing all the women out there a very Happy International Women’s Day!
Additional background info:
My previous greetings on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023: “Mărțișor”

 “Mărțișor” – an immortal Romanian tradition
Each year, on March 1st, Romanians celebrate “Mărțișor”, which is a cultural practice marking the changing of seasons,
while everybody is sensing that spring is in the air.
To all my friends who honor this custom, I’m wishing them joy, peace and prosperity!
● Remarks:
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”– 2022,  2021, 2020, 2019
● My previous greetings on the same theme: MĂRȚIȘOR” – 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)

Friday, February 24, 2023

February 24, 2023: “DRAGOBETE” Day

 “DRAGOBETE” - an old Romanian tradition, featuring Love
Each year, on February 24th (10 days after Valentine’s Day), Romania celebrates its own day of love, called “DRAGOBETE” – a day dedicated not only to love, but also to nature as well. With the month of February marking the onset of spring, nature itself seems to be in celebration, as birds begin to mate and build their nests during this time. For that reason, this day is also known as the day when ‘birds are betrothed’, and, likewise, this promising sign inspires Romanian youth to pursue their own future ‘mates’. Why the name Dragobete though? Legend has it that he was the son of “Baba Dochia” (the goddess who ushered in spring), and because of his unending kindness, he was blessed to be the guardian of love.
“Dragobete” was, and hopefully shall remain one of the most beautiful Romanian traditional holidays, in which the human feelings and the rhythms of nature are intertwined; this holiday celebrates love, in the time when nature wakes back to life.
To all those who observe this old traditional Romanian custom, I’m wishing them a very happy “Dragobete” Day!
● My previous greetings on the same theme: DRAGOBETE” Day – 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)

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

LOVE & the approaching Spring of 2023

~ Yearly Romanian literary evening featuring Valentine’s Day, “Dragobete” & “Mărțișor” ~
Since the wheel of time keeps rolling, taking us closer and closer to the next season, on Tuesday (February 13, 2023) I was happy to organize our annual celebration, which features Love and the coming spring, as well as few popular traditions that are dear and near to our hearts – Valentine’s Day, “Dragobete” & “Mărțișor”. For everybody’s convenience, this event was held online.

As I’m writing this note, I’m assuming that some people might wonder why I keep emphasizing love, unity, peace, harmonious relationships, mutual respect, ancestral tradition/s, society’s cultural facets, life’s artistic perspectives, ageless wisdom, and so on, in a global consumerist world?!
Well, besides the fact that all these concepts are in perfect alignment with the vision of our Circle, these are also the fundamental principles of existence in itself.
We all have heard, time and time again, many scholars saying that “tradition has been the foundation that gives meaning and purpose to our social lives and serves as a guide to our beliefs, values and behaviours”, and many disciplines (such as philosophy, history, religion, art, literature and law) have it at the core.
At a very basic level, tradition, culture and identity are deeply interconnected.

On the other hand, culture and tradition help us better comprehend the world around us, being a source of comfort which allow us to express our creativity.
By understanding other cultures, we learn to respect our differences and appreciate our similarities.
All these being said, on Tuesday night, we’ve got the chance to put some of these concepts in practice, joyfully giving and receiving heartfelt perspectives.
It was a really beautiful experience!
Also, as a brief refresher, here are few background details about the emphasized traditions:
  • Valentine’s Day (February 14):
    Nowadays, the Valentine's Day became an annual festival celebrating the romantic love, friendship and admiration. Every year, on February 14, people honor this day by sending messages of love and regard to partners, family and friends expressing their affection. This originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.
  • “Dragobete” (February 24):
    While Valentine’s Day is mostly related to people (a well-known saint and those he helped) and their actions in the name of love,
    “DRAGOBETE” is a very old and truly beautiful Romanian festive holiday associated with the arrival of spring as well as romantic love.
    While no one really knows exactly when "Dragobete" started, it is believed to go way back to ancient Romania (aka "Dacian Kingdom").
    In early myths, "Dragobete" is the son of “Baba Dochia” (in Romanian mythology, she is an old figure identified with the return of spring). He is the Romanian version of Cupid – bringing love and life with him. It is said that his magical presence could make the trees flower, insects, and birds to multiply and can turn men and women into lovers.
    Celebrated each year on February 24th, this holiday is linked to the time of the year when birds build their nests and mate, being mostly connected with nature. As the first signs of spring begin to show, nature & man begin a new cycle of life and love.
  • “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.
    NOTE:
    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!
    – ARTICLE: Romanian spring tradition included on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
    – ARTICLE: UNESCO adds Mărțișor to its ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’ list
Our evening together was pleasing in every way, as each of my guests openly shared lots of personal perspectives, emotions and priceless memories.
In my book of life, this gathering will add another page meant to fill my heart with genuine gratitude!
Once again dear friends, many thanks to all those who honored my call! May your spring be nice and fragrant!
Alice
“ In the end, it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years.“ (Abraham Lincoln)
This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture.
● Previous events I organized on the same concepts: Love, Spring &“Mărțișor”– 2022202120202019
● Some of my additional greetings referring to VALENTINE's Day – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 
"Mărțișor" – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019   "DRAGOBETE" – 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)