Romanian Gastronomic Voyage
Discover and live the Romanian experience, the real Romanian cuisine and culture. Join me, meet the people and see how they live and cook.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Romanian Gastronomic Voyage: October 27…We Celebrate St. Dimitrie Basarabov….Pr...
Romanian Gastronomic Voyage: October 27…We Celebrate St. Dimitrie Basarabov….Pr...: St. Dimitrie Basarabov Born in the XIII Century in the village of Basarab, south of the Danube’s Romanian territory, of a poor family w...
October 27…We Celebrate St. Dimitrie Basarabov….Protector of Bucharest
St. Dimitrie Basarabov |
Born in the XIII Century in the village of Basarab, south
of the Danube’s Romanian territory, of a poor family who could not give him a
formal education, was forced to earn himself for his basic needs at a very
young age.
For years, he took the cattle and sheep of the farmers
from the village grazing on the hills near the Danube river
and the green valleys of the Lom. Life in the woods as a young shepherd offered
the young boy the opportunity to admire the beauty of nature always visible,
helping him to love the Creator of the world and the unseen beauty as well.
Basarabov Monastery Bulgaria |
He spent the rest of his life in a cave, praying and
helping the sick.
It is said that when his time came, he went down to the
shore of the Lom river and laid his body between two boulders placing his soul
in the arms of God, surrounded by angels before going to heaven.
Many years passed by, the folk tradition is that one
night he appeared in the dream of a very ill young girl, telling her where his
body was and that if her parents would get him out of the water, she would be
healed.
Fresco by Cezar Ivana of St.Dimitrie |
They and other Christian believers did, placed him in the
village church and the girl was saved.
The news of his venerable relics finding was soon spread
in the townships south of the Danube, and in the north.
Many believers were heading towards Basarab village to
worship the precious relics and ask the great saint for blessings.
For five centuries, his relics remained in the area until
the war of 1768-1774 between Russians and Ottomans on parts of the Romanian
territory.
Icon Detail with a Relic of St.Dimitrie |
The Russian General Petru Saltacov, in fear that the
muslims would desecrate the relics of St.Dimitrie, ordered for them to be taken
to Russia, via Bucharest.
Pilgrimage to the Relics of St. Dimitrie |
There he was asked to leave them for the Romanian people on
July, 1774 at the Metropolitan Cathedral and so, St. Dimitrie Basarabov became
the protector of Bucharest, of Romania and healer of many.
His right hand did make it to Russia, believed to still
be in Kiev.
Relics of St.Dimitrie Basarabov |
Labels:
bucuresti,
cave monastery,
Dimitrie Basarabov,
protector
McLean, VA
Basarab,București, Romania
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Traditions That Remain Vibrant….Protection Of The Mother Of God
Govora Monastery Fresco |
On October 1st, triumphantly and joyfully Romanians and other Orthodox Christians
celebrate the Protection of the Most Holy Virgin.
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 Interior |
Govora Monastery Nuns |
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:
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Comuna Oprisor, 227335
Jud. |
Telefon: 0040 252 391310
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Email:
ferma@crama-oprisor.ro
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Labels:
ciorba,
crama oprisor,
loboda,
moldova,
Oltenia,
Romanian wine
McLean, VA
Govora 247379, Romania
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Traditions That Remain Vibrant....Pentecost Romanian Rusalii
Pentecost Icon |
It lasts for
two days and it is always celebrated 50 days after Easter.
On the day of
Pentecost, Christians come to church and bring linden flowers or walnut leaves,
symbols of the tongues of fire that mark the descent of the Holy Spirit.
These leaves
are blessed and distributed to the believers.
Tradition
says that these blessed branches of walnut and linden flowers should decorate
the windows of the house and icons since they have protective powers against
the capricious Fairies or Rusalii.
Rusalii Pagan Fairies |
Another ancient
folk tradition in villages at Pentecost is a specific folk dance performed by
men "Căluşari".
Dance of Calusari |
Village Calusari |
Boys Calusari |
Farm animals are included in celebrations with adornments of summer flowers for good fortune.
Farm Ox adorned with Summer Flowers |
Feasts of cherries, wine, pastries and coliva a traditional Romanian wheat porridge are offered to friends and family.
Rusalii Feast |
Celebration of Summer Rusalii |
Monday, May 2, 2016
Traditions That Remain Vibrant...Easter Eggs
Romanian Easter Eggs |
Easter celebrations in the Romanian tradition is marked by sprucing up of the houses and farms, the special services in the Orthodox Churches but also a wide range of traditional Romanian rituals.
Hand Painted Bucovina Eggs |
On the Romanian table an abundance of red eggs, sweet cakes and roast lamb are always present.
Roast Leg Of Lamb |
Egg Painting Tradition |
Maramures Red Easter Eggs |
Upon leaving, the children thank the folks for the
gift and wish them blessed Easter celebration.
Tradition Of Knocking Eggs An ancient ritual is that the threshold must be passed first by a boy so the household will be blessed with harmony the rest of the year. |
Bucovina Boy |
Hristos A Inviat! Christ Is Risen!
Labels:
bucovina,
easter eggs,
lamb,
maramures
McLean, VA
Bucovina, Botoșani, Romania
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Palm Sunday A Romanian Celebration
Palm Sunday Orthodox Romanian Church |
Romanian Orthodox Christians celebrate today The Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday.
Entry Into Jerusalem Icon |
They attend the liturgy in their various holy spaces, churches and monasteries with willow branches symbols of the palm leaves that greeted The Saviour, reminders of renewal, rebirth.
Blessed Willow Basket |
On Palm Sunday eating fish is allowed, which is the second absolution of Lent, after the Annunciation. This is permitted because it is said that Jesus asked to eat fish.
Roasted Fish On Root Vegetables |
Mussels With Garlic And Tomatoes |
La Mama Ateneu Bucharest |
Voila French Restaurant Menu for Palm Sunday |
Traditions continue to be honored on a holy day in the Romanian hills, mountains and valleys, villages, cities and remote corners of the land.
A very unique tradition is to celebrate the friends and family members whose names are of flowers, male and female..Florica, Florin, Florina, Viorica, Viorel, Florea, Florian, Crin, Camelia, Anemona and many more.
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