A weekend of Celebrations in Moldova
Last Thursday, August 27th was Ziua Independentie or Independence day in Modova. This year the country marked eighteen years since the country gained Independence from Russia on August 27, 1991. In my city, the day was marked with celebrations starting with a procession from the Primarie (Mayor's Office) to the bust of Stefan Cel Mare (Stephen the Great). Stephan Cel Mare is a national hero and led Moldova in the 15th century. During his reign he defended Moldova against many armies and is thought to have been vicious against all enemies of Moldova. He also built many, many churches throughout the land and is believed to be the champion of the Christian faith in Moldova.
The procession consisted of the mayoral staff, teachers and students from various schools in the city and other distinguished guests. Each group laid flowers at the base of the bust and the proceeded to the square where the celebration was marked with speeches and traditional songs, instrument playing and dances. The entire spectrum of the population of the city as represented from youth to adults.
Today, August 31st is Limba Noastra, National Language Day in Moldova. Moldovans are fiercely proud of their language and this is evidenced in their National anthem Limba Nostra. Here are some of the words:
A treasure is our language that surges
From deep shadows of the past,
Chain of precious stones that scattered
All over our ancient land.
Our language is made of songs
From our soul's deepest desires,
Flash of lighting striking swiftly
Through dark clouds and blue horizons.
Our language is the language of bread
When the winds blow through the summer,
Uttered by our forefathers who
Blessed the country through their labour.
Indeed, in Romanian, the words are as hauntingly beautiful now as when they were written as a poem by Alexei Mateevici (1888-1917).
The Romanian language is beautiful, musical and very pleasing to the ears. It rolls off one's tongue smoothly and beautifully and does indeed live up to it's Latin roots. It is a joy to know it and to be able to speak it.
