The Secret of the Easter Bunny and Other Beautiful Paschal Symbols

Easter in Romania, Scents, Sights, Sounds

Although I am a Christian Orthodox I’ve always wondered why there is an Easter Bunny, what’s its secret, what story brought the hare among the other beautiful and meaningful Paschal symbols such as the Easter Eggs, the lamb, or the lily flower.

This year Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, May the 5th and I look forward to coloring Easter eggs with their ancient symbology (this year we’ll try all natural dyes), cooking delicious Romanian lamb-terrine called drob, assisting my husband in baking delicious cozonac, and mostly celebrating the holy fire of Easter, in my heart. There was no Easter Bunny when I grew up in Romania.

15/03/202415/03/2024

Into the Tower of St. Mary’s Evangelical Church Sibiu, Daring, Hypnotic, and Legendary

Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral four turrets, symbology

St. Mary’s Evangelical Church of Sibiu, with its imposing presence shrouded in mystery, steeped in centuries-old legends, still beckons those who dare to explore its depths. As twilight descends on the city once known as Hermannstadt to the four corners of the world, its ancient streets echo of St. Mary’s Evangelical Church mysterious whispers. Undoubtedly, the cloak of twilight still draws curious souls to the towering silhouette of this Lutheran Cathedral.

29/12/202329/12/2023

The New Year in Romania and the Bear, Unveiling Magical Rites

As the world transits from the old to the new year I am remembered of the bear and its rejuvenation and of some lesser-known magical rites from Romania. Much like nutrients enrich the soil before the sun even warms the earth in spring, awakening beings from slumber, the hibernating bear symbolizing life in delicate equilibrium.

01/12/202301/12/2023

Whimsical Winter & Folklore of Romania, an Advent Calendar

cozonac traditional Easter, Christmas desert from Romania

Enjoy this advent calendar inspired by whimsical winter traditions from the folklore of Romania. I hope that you will return each day until Christmas Eve to open another door, for a new surprise.

24/11/202320/11/2023

On the Night of Saint Andrew, on Wolves’ Night #Im4Ro

On the Night of Saint Andrew, on wolves’ night, in Romanian folklore it is believed that the boundary between the living world and the realm of the dead becomes blurred. Troublesome spirits, known as strigoii, moroii, or vampires, are said to roam the villages, especially the crossroads, tormenting the living and even inflict harm.