Spring officially came to Moldova on March 1. Here are some photos from around Chișinău I took today. The top photo is a street scene, showing a big pile of snow that should melt in the next few weeks, we hope. The second photo is outside of the Sala cu orgă, scene of many great concerts this week. The Sala cu orgă has a good website, but this is where most people learn about upcoming events. The third photo shows some Marțișor pins.
Marțișor is a great event taking place right now in many Balkan countries. The legend of Marțișor describes the vanquishing of a great dragon who had imprisoned spring in the dungeon of his castle. A bold youth inspired the people to defeat the dragon, but the youth was mortally wounded in the battle. As his blood seeped into the ground the snow melted and the first flowers of spring began to emerge.
These pins are for sale on the street and it is common for someone to buy pins to give to others. Red symbolizes life and love, and white symbolizes purity and new beginnings. During the first two weeks of March there are concerts and special events taking place all the time. Even though the weather has been very cold, people are feeling optimistic.
I have heard two wonderful sayings about spring in Moldova. One of my friends said that we must remember that, "The wolf has not yet eaten winter." Another told me that they say that springtime is like a giant person shaking off a large winter coat with many layers of snow on it. A little bit of snow keeps falling for many weeks.
In any case, I hear from everyone that spring is a very beautiful time in Moldova.
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