Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Mother's Day



March 1st is a holiday in Romania called Martisor.  The name has something to do the old spelling of March in Romania.  They say this is the beginning of spring, but technically the first day of spring is not until March 20th.  The day is celebrated by honoring women.  Flowers or jewelry is given with ribbons of red and white.  The women are honored because spring is the season of new life of plants and animals and women bring new life to humans.  You are supposed to give gifts or flowers to all women you know.  It all seems a bit silly, but it is their tradition.  I was even told happy birthday a few times.  In Romania for all holidays they seem to say the same things, la multi ani.  Literally translated this means, to more years.  They say this for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, new years, etc., any holiday or celebrated day.   Many know that we say happy birthday for birthdays and since they say one phrase for all I was told it a few times.  (Note to the Romanians who told me that:  I am not making fun of you, sorry, it is just interesting to Americans.  Thank you for remembering me!) 
On March 8th the women are honored again with their mother’s day.  Although I think it is not just mother’s that are honored, but all women or girls.  This day you give flowers as well and maybe other things, I have not got all the traditions down yet.  I learned this year that March 8th is International Women’s Day.  We don’t seem to celebrate that in America.
Over the 2 days I was given a few flowers, jewelry and a nice card that Kale made at preschool.  The nicest and saddest present came on March 9th when we were at one of the orphanages visiting the kids.  One boy left the room and came back with a piece of glass that flowers had been painted on.  It was really nice.  He had made it in school to give to his mother.  I was touched and heart broken that he chose to give me his mother’s present.  Three other kids then went and got their school made presents and gave them to Andreea, our friend and translator, and I.  We were truly honored.  Many of the kids there do not know their mother’s or families.  I can’t imagine life without a mother.  Although I am only a blood mother to one child I have many other kids now.  I just pray I can be half the mother my mom was.  Love you mom:)