June 24, 2023: Celebrating the ROMANIAN BLOUSE Day

Romanian Socio-Cultural evening with ALICE & Friends Circle™

featuring our ancestral traditions, popular dances, legends & timeless wisdom

Example of an old  Romanian stitch pattern

As the wheel of time keeps rolling, on Saturday – June 24, 2023 I gladly organized the Romanian Blouse Day, in a wonderful natural setting in Vancouver, by the side of the Pacific Ocean. 2023 is the third year in a row our Circle is celebrating this beautiful summer fest, occasion which apparently turned into a global movement observed by many Romanians, at home and throughout the entire world.

Also, I would like to emphasize that on December 1, 2022, (on Romania’s National Day), UNESCO has decided to
inscribe the Romanian traditional blouse (Ro: "Ia") on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The morning of this very special summer day was a bit cold, but around noon time the shining sun showered us with its warm rays, bringing upon so much joy, once again proving that we are loved! I was truly happy that I could meet in person with my friends for this very special event.

On the other hand, I would like to mention that we could speak a lot about traditions, legends, customs, etc. and many people might wonder what relevance could have these rather old fashion concepts in our modern, consumerist world, where technology (more than anything else) seems to play a central role (...isn’t it?!...), and when so many people nowadays live in large cities, completely disconnected from the forgotten traditions of their elders?!

Personally, I truly believe that our ancestral traditions carry lots of invaluable insights and timeless wisdom, which have the potential to enrich our lives and unite us in this rapidly changing world. Uncovering these old practices and concepts, we uncover the values, beliefs, and emotions that have transcended many generations. Our traditions could give us a real sense of continuity and belonging, as well as a true connection with the insights of those who came before us, while transmitting knowledge and providing a solid foundation for social cohesion and emotional well-being…truly significant!

Now, for your reference, I would like to refresh that June 24 marks also the Midsummer Day – “Sânzienele” in Romanian folk beliefs, as well as the feast of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist (in the Romanian Christian Orthodox culture). “Sânziene Day” (Ro: “Ziua de Sânziene”) is one of the most beautiful, exuberant and intuitive holidays of the summer – an old popular holiday that marks also the summer solstice. This holiday is associated with light, with fire, with sun, with the sacred and the profane, with heaven and earth, in essence with life itself; this special day actually celebrates the connection with nature and life, with the Romanian intuitive spirit, and with all what it is miraculous, as well as timeless wisdom of our ancestors and with our ancient roots.

While at this page, I’m glad to share with my Romanian speaking friends 2 books (in pdf format) from the Romanian literature (both written in Romanian language…I’m sorry, at this moment, I don’t have them in English).

● Book #1: “Nopțile de Sânziene” (de Mihai Sadoveanu) – here you can download the pdf

● Book #2: “Noaptea de Sânziene” (de Mircea Eliade) – here you can download the pdf

Further speaking about my event, I would like to share that this year as well, at the welcoming table my guests were greeted again with a large tray of hands sanitizers (as the safety protocol continued to be observed) and another large tray with several distinctive gifts I’ve prepared again for them (I offered each lady a manually crafted head flower garland and to each gentleman a “tricolor” bracelet) and all of them really appreciated my gesture…I was truly happy to bring them joy!

After my guests settled in and my brief remarks were delivered, I presented a concise summary about the cultural significance of the Romanian blouse (which is our traditional “ie”) and its continuity over centuries.

Next, my friends shared (to the best they each knew) the traditional folkloric customs from their regions as well as few well-known summer habits.

Then we all were ready to dance and the musical notes of the Romanian “Hora” enveloped us…please, follow this link if you wish to get a ‘taste’ of it…enjoy!

Dancing together with my friends the Romanian “Hora” on that fresh green grass, brought along a special sense of gratitude, exuberance, unity, energy and above all, true joy….it was really beautiful!

Then we all enjoyed our delicious foods, had few glasses of good wine (legally permitted for consumption in that public area) all ‘garnished’ with pleasant conversations and relaxing socialization….

As usual, time was running fast, but having the chance to catch up with each other and talk from heart to heart, really made a huge difference…truly pleasing!

Wrapping up my brief summary, once again I’m extending my sincere appreciation to all my friends who were by my side this special summer day! 
Until we meet again, my very best to all!

Alice

“Tradition keeps the flame alive.”

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture.

● Few articles of general interest about the Romanian Blouse Day:

“Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse celebrated on June 24” |
“Universal Day of Romanian Blouse, during 'Roman IA Autentica' Festival in Paris”

● Previous events I organized on the same theme: The ROMANIAN BLOUSE Day – 2022, 2021

● My greetings referring to the same matter: The ROMANIAN BLOUSE Day – 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). 

June 24, 2023 – Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE

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, the timeless wisdom of their ancestors as well as their Romanian beautiful identity outfit – “ia”.

June 24 marks also the Midsummer Day – known as “Sânzienele” in Romanian folk beliefs.

Best greetings to all those who honor this day and continuously promote the Romanian culture & traditions!

Pe 24 iunie, oriunde v-ați afla, purtați ie sau o cămașă tradițională de sărbătoare și o coroniță de flori tămăduitoare. Vă doresc o zi cu soare, flori și bucurie!

● Background info:
Also, I would like to mention that 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…please follow the links below for a more detailed reading about this significant gesture…thank you!

- ARTICLE: Traditional Romanian blouse included in UNESCO patrimony

- ARTICLE: The art of the traditional blouse with embroidery on the shoulder (altiţă) - an element of cultural identity

● My previous greetings on the same theme: The Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE – 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). 

June 21, 2023: SUMMER solstice

Welcome, SUMMER!

 “Summer Solstice” is an astronomical event, marking the 1^st day of summer in Northern Hemisphere – a splendid season, which fills our hearts with bliss and joy! 
At this time of the year, Sun is the most powerful, but after the Solstice, days will start to get shorter & shorter; 
meanwhile, all is green & growing – a beautiful celestial reminder of the perpetual miracle of creation. 

May the radiant Sun Light fill & nourish your hearts!

● Scientific briefing on SUMMER SOLSTICE (few documentaries): ”What is a Solstice?” (National Geographic)|
”What happens during the day of June 21 - summer solstice”| ”What happens during the summer solstice?” 
● Few relaxing moments: ”Summer time” (Gershwin) | Classical Music for SUMMER – audio   

● My previous greetings on the same theme: SUMMER Solstice – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

June 18, 2023: “Happy FATHER’s Day!“

 Yearly, many Canadians observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, and in 2023 this is on June 18^th. Today, may we each take a moment to show our appreciation for fatherhood and fathers all across.  Just like mothers, fathers are important too….love them, cherish them and celebrate them.

To all wonderful fathers out there:...wishing you only the best and may you never forget how special you are!

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

June 1, 2023 – INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's Day

The annual observance of INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's DAY allows us honor our children, understanding that they represent the future.
This is also a time which gives each individual a new opportunity for an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, by translating these initiatives into actions that will all enable them to build a better world for every child.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is about." Happy International Children’s Day!

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

Alice’s Book Club – SPRING session of 2023

While the beautiful sunny days of the current spring time have such a marvelous effect on all of us, on Wednesday (May 31’23) I was truly happy to be able to organize the second gathering of the year for my seasonal book club (the spring session of 2023), and for everybody’s convenience, we’ve meet on line.

The theme of the evening was “Fashion in daily life”, and instead of our usual novel, in order to better ignite the conversation, this time a research paper conjugated with a documented essay have been chosen as reading materials.

Of course, in addition, personal experiences and individual perspectives were amply discussed, making our evening together really special. 

It was truly beautiful to observe how well my guests embraced the proposed subject, and how easily our talks emerged, nicely leading to meaningful discussions, with breadth and depth.

As usual, respecting the privacy of the personal matters discussed, here are only few thoughts of general interest, as well as some additional concepts issued by the fashion industry leaders, which might be of interest to you:

- The best fashion is truly what makes you feel happy and, at the end of the day, confidence transcends any fashion rules

- Feeling confident in your clothes is more attractive than any trend could ever be

-  Fashion originated from people’s traditions and cultures, and became what it is today, through individuals adopting each style and making it their own 

- Each era had its style/s that directly resulted from that time’s circumstances

- Fashion industry is a very competitive industry, which depends on person’s search for identity (fashion is a reflection of who you are)

- Fashion has several benefits, such as: boosting self-confidence, lightening moods, and developing creativity

- Generally speaking, fashion choices could help people send messages and present their beliefs, implying the fact that fashion could also be very political

- Each new generation is surrounded and continuously exposed to extensive commercial influences concerning fashion

- It has been observed by many that nowadays youths are more sensitive to what people think of them, and some will always do everything to follow trends, even if they’re not presentable or appropriate, etc....

Typically, our group talks were lengthy, honest, interesting, enjoyable and balanced, leaving each of us with a very pleasant feeling of benevolent camaraderie.

In closing, once again, my most sincere appreciation to all my friends who were able to join me this evening, wishing them each a wonderful rest of spring!

Till we meet again, my warmest regards to all!

Alice 

“FASHION says: me too. STYLE says: only me.”

FASHION world

By far, the fashion industry remains one of the most flourishing industries of the world, but what do you think it makes it so special? I truly believe that it is us – the people – because more individuals are becoming more and more conscious of their physical appearance.

It is well known that fashion “is the dominant style within a given culture at a certain time” and we notice that is becoming too spotlighted for it to be considered unimportant.

For the purpose of this briefing, here I’m sharing with you an article from an European fashion magazine, which might broaden your perspective even more about this vast and quite intriguing subject….enjoy it!

Short ARTICLE:

About fashion, attire, attitude and distinction

       Fashion in clothing represents the correctness of clothes, taste, and attitude. Fashion is an "outfit", it is a "style". "For a person, everything must be beautiful: both face and clothing, thought and soul" (Chekhov).

      Fashion is also an art, as it is painting, music, literature; It combines tradition with innovation, classicism with modernism, what we inherited from our ancestors with what we shape in our contemporary times.

       Through this article, we do not want to pose as modellers, but we are just trying to highlight some generalities. Balzac, who wrote many pages about fashion, said: "The brute covers himself, the rich or the foolish adorn, and the elegant man dresses." It is about the latter that we are trying to discuss.

       In a more optimistic thinking, we must show that change and variation are necessities of human conscience; fashion can be the symbol of passion, struggle and creative activity, tensions and desires for rejuvenation, "expression of the restless innovative spirit, stimulator and orientation of man's vital momentum" (C. Angelescu).

       An English proverb says: "eat to please yourself, but dress so that you please others." In other words, fashion means balancing personal taste with the unanimously accepted one, it means adopting in a personal note what practice proves corresponding to the taste and preferences of the time, the art of choosing, from among the invariable elements, those that harmonize with everyone's personality, in the right place, at the right time.

       Dressing tastefully remains a matter of taste, but of "good taste"; Taste that has become "good taste" is no longer subjective and, associated with common sense, is included in the spheres of politeness.

       We dress for ourselves and others; no modesty, no extravagance, not like yesterday, not like tomorrow, like today!

       Contemporary fashion houses are increasingly giving everyone the right to express their personality. The current struggle in fashion is for adequacy, for sincerity.

       It is expected a relaxed fashion, devoid of rigidity; an evolved fashion, where each individual is the creator of his own outfit, learning to discern what suits him, especially when he has the format of good taste. Let it be known, however, that parrot garments, ornamented with all kinds of "globes, cherries with rum and screaming plumage" do not go on New Year's Eve, March 1, neither on the seaside nor abroad. Screaming clothes betray a lack of good taste.

       The fashion of the active man is the fashion of coordinated elements: harmony of form, style and colors, simplicity, naturalness, naturalness, intelligence! "Simplicity of cooking and speech, temperance, these are ornaments of nature" (Democritus).

       Fashion has a logic and a balance of its own, maybe even elegance. Fashion is a necessity, elegance a refinement; fashion means "what is worn", elegance "how to wear". With common sense you are born, decency is given to you by your parents, your outfit and elegance are cultivated…expression of a certain delicacy of soul, of a way of moving, speaking, dressing and communicating, our attire, in all circumstances, makes the transition from utility to elegance.

       If fashion is capricious and beauty fleeting, elegance can be steadfast and always accompanying us. An intelligent woman knows how to dress, according to her possibilities, according to her silhouette, age and occasions, filtering and choosing with discernment what suits her, what gives her charm, what completes her personality, what achieves balance and harmony of elegance. Charm and elegance are above fashion.

       For young people, dress rules are somewhat more lenient. Youth is exuberance, it is thirst for action, with its natural turmoil. A certain note of cheerfulness, movement, non-conformism and maybe even a certain negligence of clothing can be part of the elegance of youth, of course within the limits of common sense.

       The diversity of models offered by fashion designers gives the possibility to choose, depending on age and preference, the model that "gives life to years" and "does not add years to life". Everyone must be the "arbiter of his tastes", to know what benefits him; The clothing "approaches" the body, rediscovering it, emphasizing the waist, hips, neckline, in a word "femininity".

       We draw attention, however, to the fact that, considering the perspective, good manners are not easily put in the bin; It will eventually overcome the permanent desire to return to simplicity that also gives way to awareness and good proportions.

”Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” (Gianni Versace)

May 2023: “Happy MOTHER’s Day!”

Here, every year, Mother’s Day is celebrated in May, when people emphasize and celebrate the contribution a woman makes
to take up in a smooth manner her family along with her career and the ways she contributes to the society she belongs to. 

Also, I would like to refresh that in my opinion, motherhood has the greatest potential to influence human life on Earth, and I think that it is important to honor this.

To all beautiful mothers out there: Happy Mother's Day! 

Here is a short poem I wrote few years ago, and I’m glad to share it further…enjoy!

Ode to mothers (by Alice)

“Your mother is the whisper of the wind while you walk the path of your life,

She is the healing hand when you are sick,

She is the place you call home,

She is your guide in every step you take,

She is in your heart and you are in her heart, no matter where you go;

A mother’s heart is always a mother’s heart, 

And her love is true, unconditional and eternal!”

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

5 Years Anniversary of ALICE & FRIENDS CIRCLE™

Romanian literary evening featuring 5^th year anniversary of Alice & Friends Circle™

as well as Resilience & Compatibility

With absolute delight, I’m sharing that on Thursday (May 4, 2023) we celebrated the fifth anniversary of ALICE & Friends Circle™, together with a group of dear friends, who made special efforts to be able to join us despite their busy schedules.

This gathering was very special in many ways, but above and beyond I’m super happy to tell you that this was the first return at our usual place after few years of social austerity….needless to say that meeting in person with the friends of our Circle, in a place that triggers for each of us so many beautiful memories, it was really heart touching!

On that Thursday, I opened the evening by expressing my most sincere appreciation for the support our Circle received over the last five years (yes, 5 years!!!), for the devotion each of my friends were showing, for their loyalty and for all the beautiful concepts they each shared at our meetings over time.

Next, every guest got the chance to express their opinion/s about the existence and the activities of ALICE & Friends Circle™….it was really special to hear all their heart-warming remarks! Also, our dear friend Dorina wrote an article about this event, and our dear friends from “Observatorul” Magazine, from Toronto, published it (to read it, please follow this link…thank you!)

Additionally, our discussions referred to the significance of resilience & compatibility, concepts of relevance for our group.

As I always do, for your convenience, below I’m sharing with you only few highlights of these talks as well as few supplementary points, while maintaining the confidentiality of the personal aspects discussed:

● Few thoughts about the significance of RESILIENCE:

          (definition: resilience is the capability to recover quickly from difficult situation/s)

- According to many scientific studies, resilience it is not a matter of chance, but rather a matter of informed choices and determination, and the last few years being filled with the turmoil of the pandemic related restrictions did show us the significance of resilience while the entire world was in the midst of such hard times

- No matter how difficult life could get, if you have resilience you would find a way to keep going

- It is important to understand that resilience doesn’t mean that you need to stay in the middle of the storm, but if it happens to find yourself in it then resilience will help you to overcome it

- Resilience is a life skill, and we each need to work on building it every day; the more we work on it, the better we will get at handling difficult situations

- Cultivating resilience will help each of us to live a happier, healthier and longer life

● Few thoughts about the significance of COMPATIBILITY (in a group setting):

          (definition: compatibility is the state in which two entities are able to coexist without problems or conflicts)

- People with common values are compatible, and in building lasting relationships within a group this is a needed attribute

- In a society that is getting increasingly lonely, people have the tendency to cultivate mostly compatible friends

- If you have too many acquaintances, you might have less time for each, but if you choose to surround yourself only with compatible friends then you would have more quality time to spend with people who truly matter

- Socio-emotional selectivity theory finds that as we get older, we have limited time left on this Earth, and we turn towards relationships that feel meaningful, based on compatibility, while we might let go of the rest.

                                                                                  …and the group talks continued for a while…..

Further, we all were heading for light refreshments, which allowed for extensive, pleasant conversations around the table, recalling that food always tastes much better when you share it with like-minded friends. 

Then, before serving the festive cake I brought for the occasion, we had a toast, cheering for continuous prosperity in our midst, good health, longevity and joy, all accompanied by the notes of the famous Romanian song, called “La mulţi ani!” , which we all truly love.

Also, an old Romanian tradition was not forgotten, and at this gathering we brought red eggs (since the Easter recently happened) and we had the chance to practice the old custom of “egg tapping” (aka: egg knocking, egg fights, etc.) ….it was really enjoyable!

As you can easily imagine, time was flying by truly fast, but the new memories we’ve got the chance to produce will stay with us forever.

Concluding, before I wrap my briefing, I would like to express again my most sincere gratitude for all the love, appreciation, loyalty and support I received from my friends over the last five years….indeed, there is so much to be thankful for!

Until our paths will meet again on the same wavelength, my warmest regards to all my dear friends for a splendid rest of the spring!

Sincerely,

Alice

“TIME may be measured in MINUTES, but LIFE is measured in MOMENTS.” 

Mesaj personal din partea lui Alice, adresat la ceas aniversar

Dragii mei,

Iată că a sosit vremea pentru a sărbători şi cea de-a cincea aniversare a Cercului nostru literar şi socio-cultural, fapt ce ne-a adus la toți multă bucurie lăuntrică, cât şi satisfacția unui fundament sănătos şi stabil, pe care putem grefa frumosul, în toată splendoarea lui.

Timpul trece în mare grabă, iar viața are felul ei aparte în care ne testează, continuu, pe toți, reliefând cu multă claritate că prietenia este un dar de preț al omului.

Doresc să vă spun că de-a lungul acestui drum special, cu fiecare relație de prietenie în parte, întâi de toate, m-am străduit să fiu eu o prietenă cât mai bună, iar timpul mi-a arătat dacă am reușit...avându-vă pe toți lângă mine, am înțeles că sunt pe drumul cel bun şi la rându-mi vreau să vă mulțumesc, la fiecare în parte, pentru prietenia voastră față de mine!  

Am apreciat mereu politețea şi autenticitatea relațiilor de prietenie şi consider că acestea joacă un rol important ce contribuie la îmbogățirea noastră sufletească, având totodată potențialul de a ne înobila viața.   

Prieteniile frumoase şi echilibrate ne unesc...să le cerem şi să le oferim cu multă onestitate, omenie şi generozitate, în același timp amintindu-ne că mâinile întinse peste problemele vieții creează acea rețea fantastică ce ne face să ne simțim vii.

“Fiecare aparține timpului pe care știe să-l trăiască.”

Cu aleasă prețuire,

Alice  

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” AliceFriendsCircle.blogspot.com

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture.

● Previous anniversaries of Alice & Friends Circle™ – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

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).