Traditions That Remain Vibrant….Protection Of The Mother Of God

Govora Monastery Fresco

On October 1^st, triumphantly and joyfully Romanians and other Orthodox Christians
celebrate the Protection of the Most Holy Virgin.

  

The historical basis for the feast is the protection of the Christians during siege and invasion of the Byzantine capital, Constantinople, over 1000 years ago.

Byzantine Art Studio Mosaic

It was during an All-Night Vigil in the Blachernae church, overflowing with those at prayer, that Virgin Mary after praying for a long time took off her veil and spread it over the people praying in church, protecting them from enemies that were attacking the city.

Sacred images of this event emerged as magnificent icons, monasteries were built and the miracle celebrated.

Monastery Sucevita Fresco

Some of the holy places that share the name are Calugara near Caransebes region, Monastery Secries, near Moldovita and Govora near Mihăieşti in Vâlcea region of Oltenia.

Map of Romania

Calugara Monastery

Govora Monastery was founded in the XIV century, during Vlad Dracul’s  rule, construction added during Vlad Tepes, and  so on through the ages.

Govora Monastery

Govora Monastery Interior 

Govora Monastery Nuns

Oltenia Peasant Home

While in Oltenia, one must partake in the culinary delights of the region, dishes that warm the heart paired wines that warm the spirit.

Sarmale

Ciorba de Loboda

Loboda is a wild or garden leaf plant Atripex Hortensis, also known as French Spinach.

Crama Bolovanul

Crama Oprisor Wines

Carl Reh Winery SRL

Ferma viticola:	Comuna Oprisor, 227335 Jud. Mehedinti, Romania
	Telefon: 0040 252 391310
	Email: ferma@crama-oprisor.ro
	http://www.facebook.com/cramaoprisor

A Star......A Holy Star.....A Herald Of The Birth Of Our Lord

Star Carolers

Starting on Christmas Day, the village children begin caroling with The Star... a richly decorated hand made banner to let the world know A Child Is Born!

Bucovina Star Carolers

Tradition dictates it continues for days until January 6 the day of The Epiphany.
The Star of Bethlehem only appears in the Nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew.

Old Bucharest Star Carolers

The rituals are inspired by the star that guided the three wise men to the manger where they announced the birth of Jesus, worshiped Him and gave Him gifts. Many Christians see the star as a miraculous sign to mark the blessed event.

Suceava Carolers

Songs about the Star have transcended through time from different sources, some from the Orthodox Byzantine Church, some from the Latin Catholic Church literature, some from the Calvinist rite and many from the local folk traditions.

Moldova Star Carolers

Folk Group Paunita

Small choral groups of stellar carolers visit the homes of the neighbors during the days of Christmas, singing religious songs about the birth of Jesus..."Star Above is Shining", " In the town of Bethlehem" or "Three Magi from the East" and joyfully blessing them and their kin.

Maramures Sledding  

At the end of the day there is always time for some winter fun....

Traditions...Easter in Romania

Easter Procession Bucovina

Romania, a country that celebrates life through food and wine, has quite the repertoire of Easter traditions and fare.

 

Romania Nuns

Good Saturday for the Orthodox Christians is a day of prayer, meditation and introspection reflecting the time that Christ’s body was in the tomb in silence and darkness and preparation for the midnight Sunday Paschal Liturgy, the new beginning, resurrection and the eternal life.

Icon of the Resurrection

An icon of the Resurrection depicts the belief that while in the tomb Christ went into the depths of hell and brought up to the light of heaven Adam and Eve as well as Old Testament fathers.

Moldova Easter Eggs

Legends and traditions transcend time and vary in each main territories of Romania. One of the oldest is the painting and sacred symbolism of Easter Eggs.

Hand Painted Easter Eggs

The egg, symbol of creation, renewal, purity and eternal life is painted red in most areas.

The belief is that when the Mother of God came to the cross to mourn her crucified son, she laid her basket of fresh eggs at the base of the cross to pray, the eggs turned red from the blood of Christ that was dripping from His wounds.

Decorations on the Easter eggs vary by region and folk traditions mostly ancient geometrical symbols and rich colors.

In Moldova, monasteries create glorious designs such as Sucevita and Moldovita Monasteries as well as the Neamt region including beaded eggs.

In Transylvania, Sibiu and its environs hollowed painted eggs are hung in trees in the front yards.

With celebration of Easter, Romanians celebrate food and wine as well.

Lemon Basted Lamb Chops

Pascha with Cheese

Lamb in Wine Sauce and Rosemary 

Pascha with Cheese and Raisins

Drob Pie

What is also indicative of the rebirth is the tradition after church of the families gathering with their loved ones for Paschal feasts that include Spring lamb, eggs, sour soups, green garlic, traditional pastries and wine from the regional vineyards.

Midnight hour is approaching, preparing for the Nocturne Procession....Victory of Life...Resurrection!

Christ is Risen!  Indeed He is Risen!

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March 1st….Mărțișor, Harbinger of Romanian Spring

Ghiocei

As Romanians prepare for spring celebrations on March 1^st, the legends of Mărțișor and Baba Dochia come to mind, memories of childhood, red and white twisted silk bows with lovely miniature works of art, some handmade others depicting various symbols of love, friendship and renewal.

Martisor

Ancient folk traditions were passed on from one generation to the next from Roman times when gold or silver coins were tied to the blossoming fruit trees or some shrubs such as sweet briar, the tradition called for sharing of red wine, freshly baked bread and fresh cheese with the friends and family.

Spring Tradition

Burduf Cheese in Pine Bark

In other places, Mărțișor was worn until the arrival of migratory birds when it was thrown in the direction from which they came for future good fortune.

 

Bread Makers

Baba Dochia in Bucovina is the fairytale about a young princes that runs to the hills disguised as a shepherdess in order to avoid being given in marriage to a tyrant ruler.

She dressed warmly with nine sheepskin traditional embroidered coats to stay warm near her sheep. 

Cojoc Hand Embroidered

As she climbed the hills on March 1st, she took off one coat at the time for nine days, only to get to the top of the mountain where it was so cold and the ruler’s men were catching up to her. 

 

Banat Cojoc Vest

In her desperation she fell to her knees and asked God to save her…the wish was granted…she was turned into a beautiful rock formation for eternity.

Babele

                                                                Voyages of Discovery

 

White Guba Coats

Moldova Vests and Jacket

Master Cojoc Maker

The craft of cojoc making is still transcending from centuries of traditions and regional artistry.

Agapia Retreat

Rolling hills gently covered with a green velvet shawl…woods and meadows are guiding us.

The blue drape of the sky is turning angry, stormy clouds are floating ready to burst; a soft veil of rain softens the horizon.

Just in time to take shelter…Agapia Monastery will be our retreat for few days under the blessing of Archangels Michael and George and the sweet, gentle nuns that live, pray and work here.

Agapia Monastery, Moldova

Built in 1644, painted in 1858 by young Romanian painter Nicolae Grigorescu, Agapia is an architectural jewel filled with history and rich Moldavian traditions.

Nicolae Grigorescu Frescoes

 It suffered fire damage during the centuries, a couple of churches and living structures are now on the property.

Monastery Rooms

For lodging at the monastery contact:

Agapia Monastery

Mother Superior: Stavrofora Olimpiada Chiriac

Adress: Agapia, Judetul Neamt, postal code 617010,  Romania

Tel.: + 40 (233) 244736

e-mail: cancelarie@agapia.neamt.ro

Old Agapia Monastery

Map of the Agapia Area

                                          Voyages of Discovery

The crisp cool linens in our room are inviting, scent of pine and flowers from the veranda fill the space, crickets will be witnesses to our dreams.