Every Sunday in March 2025 from 1-3 pm
Visitors joined us every Sunday in March from 1-3 pm to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Romania. They discovered the March 1st tradition of Mărțișor, a celebration marking the arrival of spring. Mărțișor involves gifting and wearing a small object made from intertwined red and white strings, often adorned with a trinket. This tradition symbolizes hope, renewal, and good luck for the coming year.
They learned about the legend of Baba Dochia, a mythical figure associated with the return of spring. According to the legend, Baba Dochia is an old woman who, misled by the early signs of spring, sheds her heavy winter coats one by one as she climbs a mountain, only to be caught by a sudden frost and turned into stone. This story reflects the unpredictable nature of early spring weather and the transition from winter to spring.
They explored the significance of Mucenici, a traditional Romanian dish made to honor the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste. Mucenici are small, figure-eight-shaped pastries made from dough, baked or boiled, and then topped with honey and walnuts. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of the agricultural year’s beginning and a way to commemorate the martyrs.