Dormition of The Mother of God…..Traditions in Romania

Dormition Of The MOG Fresco 

Should you pass by Curtea de Arges Monastery, situated on the right bank of the Argeş River flowing through the valley of the lower Carpathians (the Făgăraş Mountains) on August 15^th, you would be greeted by pilgrims celebrating Dormition of The Mother of God, Virgin Mary.

Curtea de Arges Monastery

Monastery Mosaic

Every year, the day of the Dormition, Monastery Curtea de Arges, dwelling built in the early sixteenth century by ruler Neagoe Basarab, awaits believers who come to worship the Virgin Mary and Saint Philothea.

Curtea de Arges Cupolas

Monastery Interior

Ancient folk traditions are transcending in various parts of Romania, each specific to the microcosm of the region.

By the Danube and the Black Sea, sailors celebrate as St. Mary is their protector, Romania Navy Day.

The autumn season starts with celebrations in the vineyards, planting of the wheat fields as well as feasts and pilgrimages at the monasteries with the name of the Virgin or the Dormition.

Văratec Monastery

The feast day at Văratec Monastery, the nuns are preparing for the believers who will cross the threshold of the monastery.

Humor Monastery

While traveling through Moldova, one has to discover the culinary delights of the region as well.

Stuffed Cabbage and Polenta

Mucenici Moldova Pastry

Bors Moldovenesc

Meatball Sour Soup

Also on August 15th honoring their patron are Bistriţa Monastery and Hermitage Draga from Neamţ County, monasteries Zosin Cozancea from Botoşani area, monasteries Rarău, Humor, Feteşti Hermitage Orata and Plutoniţa in Suceava.

Neagoe Basarab was the Prince of Valahia between 1512 and 1521, the great ruler that built Curtea de Argeș Monastery.

  

He was canonized as Hesychast and Prince of Peace on September 26, 

2008.

Neagoe Basarab and Milica Despina


My Travel Artist

Guests in the Afternoon

 The traditions of Moldova run deep through the centuries, the people are known for their hospitality and generous spirit.

Should you happen to be the guest of folks in any village in Moldova in the summer time, you would be invited to sit under the grape vine pergola with fresh hand embroidered linens on the table.

 A large bowl with new honey in honeycombs, freshly baked bread would be placed in the middle with the invitation to partake.

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Small clay pitchers are filled with sweet white wine...Grasa de Cotnari.

Polizu Manor

 Cotnari Winery    

Cotnari is situated in the north east of Romania, in the province of Moldova where it enjoys a particular micro-climate with the vineyards protected from the easterly winds by the hills. 

 The Grapes

The blend which is Cotnari has stayed the same for nearly 500 years: 
30% Grasa, 30% Feteasca Alba, 20% Tamaioasa and 20% Francusa, all Romanian varieties, all vinified separately and aged separately, then blended at the time of bottling. 

Grasa has a great affinity to the noble rot (Botrytis), while Tamaioasa adds the luscious aroma. Both grapes are harvested late in the autumn, when the sugar accumulation is very high.

Color-Golden yellow with a greenish tint.

Nose-Freshly baked bread, honey and apricot. 

Taste-Rich, complex sweet fruit, balanced by a lively acidity.

Serve well chilled as an aperitif or after a meal with a rich desert.