A concert at the Romanian Embassy
In the picture Her excellency Ms. Brândusa Ioana Predescu, Ambassador of Romania, and Her Excellency Ms. Tatiana Pârvu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova with singer Danna.
By Virginie Peccoud.
Her excellency Ms. Brândusa Ioana Predescu, Ambassador of Romania, and Her Excellency Ms. Tatiana Pârvu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, have hosted a very special event on Friday 6 March. A concert was organised to celebrate an eight thousand years old tradition that both countries share.
Mărțișor representing the arrival of Spring is a token believed to bring luck, health and joy. It comes from word March and was originally red and white, colours that protect against the evil. Furthermore, this tradition at the beginning of Spring honours the comeback of nature and new starts. The emphasis during the ambassador’ speeches was put on what Romania and Moldova have in common: history and culture.
The emotional value of the Mărțișor is crucial for the ambassadors as it was also a symbol of resistance during deportation of thousands of Moldovan people to Siberia by the dictator Joseph Stalin, between 1943 and 1956. In this time, people were forcibly relocated in Siberian’s settlement for forced labour. About one hundred thousand Moldavians were deported and sixteen thousand died. The Mărțișor was forbidden as it represented national traditions and identity.
This event was to remember this dark part of history and to proudly transmit traditions to other people and to younger generations. Women were also honoured as it was two days before International women’s day and Mother’s Day in Romania and Moldova.
Danna, a Romanian singer performed six songs for the audience, including the legendary “Isn’t she lovely” by Stevie Wonder. She changed the lyrics that were initially written to celebrated the birth of Wonder’s daughter to address the song to mothers.
In the end, the event was well attended with an excellent buffet accompanied with Romanian wines mainly the notorious Nonius Fetească Neagră Shiraz.
