Patricia Furstenberg, Writer of Historical Fiction, Children's Books
Travel via Stories
Today we celebrate the Orthodox Easter. I was reminded of these simple words: “Are not two sparrow sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father.“(the Gospel of Matthew 10:29) – the sparrow does nor fall into emptiness, but within a world still held by God.
Continue reading “Are Not Two Sparrows… on Easter Day”
The road curled around the valley like a silk ribbon that time itself could have dropped. And maybe it did. It was up to me to pick it up and discover where it will lead.
Continue reading “The Unique, Medieval Church of Sântămăria Orlea, Transylvania, Romania”
Red and white color my thoughts well ahead of 1st of March. In the Romanian tradition, on the first day of spring (in the Northern hemisphere), twined together, threads of red and white spring forward on Mărțișor day, quiet yet insistent. Unassumingly simple. Deceptively small. A charm no heavier than Spring’s first breath.
But red and white are never accidental. They’ve followed humanity across centuries and continents like faithful companions.
So why do red and white spell Spring?
Continue reading “Why Red and White Became the Colors of Mărțișor on March 1st”
In fifteenth-century Transylvania, marriage was not a private affair. It was a public instrument. A legal mechanism. A way of (finally) being seen.
Continue reading “A Proven Historical Pressure Cooker: Marriage as Surveillance”
Between 1 and 25 December enjoy on my blog, all free on this page, my Christmas gift: an Advent Calendar of riddles leading you to Romanian winter legends, first snow songs, and recipes to a seasonal dish to feast on! May your Christmas be Merry and your winter full of peace!
Continue reading “Your Christmas Gift, an Unique Advent Calendar of Romanian Winter Legends, Snow Songs & Feast”