This week I hit the 9-month mark in Moldova and still I find it hard to believe that a) it has been so little time - the weeks last three or four months here; and b) it has been so much time - it's going too fast! I know it's a contradiction, but it's true.
As beloved as winter is in Moldova (if it snows), still the people celebrate spring with a passion as well. The first day of March is the unofficial first day of spring and it is welcomed fully. Marțișor (martsi-shor) - or little March is a big celebration here in Moldova. Everyone gives a special someone a little handmade or store-bought artificial boutainnere that contains some red and white. Tradition holds that the beautiful maiden of spring fought against a winter witch and was cut. Where her drop of blood fell, snowdrops (the flower) sprang up and thus, winter was defeated.
I'm proud to report that I received about 20 of these little gifts from various students and one of my partner teachers. The result was a lapel full of small artificial flowers, red and white hearts, tassles, and braided strings. I felt very blessed and loved. The Moldovans continue to wear their marțișors through March and on the 31st, they hang them from blooming trees. Great way to bring in spring, eh?
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| Sample Marțișor - These get very creative! |
