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:)
