Moldova (the Republic of) is a European Country with a complex and rich history of ethnic traditions and popular customs. Some of the holidays are celebrated throughout the country; others are designated for specific regions of even specific localitites (villages or cities). The Moldovan folklore developed within the borders of the two great regions of European civilization--the west and the southeast. Over the centuries, the Moldovan people crystallized their own popular culture. Moldovan holidays have common threads running through them. The same unity can be found in the traditions and customs throughout the country. They include Christian and non-Christian holidays, which can be traced back to a pre-Christian period of history. Since Moldovan is mainly an Eastern Orthodox country, this form of Christianity permeates the spirit of the holidays, with other themes such as the seasons or common trades being blended within religious themes. Among all of the religious holidays, Christmas and Easter are the most beloved. Another important date is December 6, when St. Nicholas brings small gifts to the young children who have polished their shoes and placed them in front of a window in their home. Christmas carols, traditional foods and decorated trees are part of the Christmas traditions. Regarding the spring customs, the PLOWMAN is a celebration of the man who first plows the fields in the spring. The first day of March is the celebration of MARTISOR (mar-tsi-shor), a day when gifts of small objects--plants, shells, flowers, animals, snowmen or tools--as well as a red and white ribbon symbolizing life and purity--are given to young girls and women. The Sunday before Easter Sunday is called FLOWERS' SUNDAY. On that day, a special celebration takes place for all who have names associated with flowers. Fish may be eaten that day. As the year moved into autumn, September 14 brought the celebration of the RISE OF THE HOLY CROSS. The harvest is celebrated by each family, as well as by the entire community. DRAGAICA is an interesting custom centered around a beauty contest. The most beautiful girl would become covered with fruit from the land. For all Moldovan celebrations, song is an essential and very appreciated component of the ceremonial activities. Love songs, lullabies and party songs are also present in the Moldovan folklore.
Московский зоопарк является одним из крупнейших и старейших зоопарков в России. Он появился в Москве в 1864 году и в нём тогда было 286 животных. Сегодня в зоопарке более 6000 различных животных: слоны и жирафы, белые медведи и бурые медведи, белки и лисы, олени и волки, львы и тигры. Первые здания зоопарка сначала были деревянными. Сейчас животные живут в каменных зданиях, когда холодно на улице. Московский зоопарк расположен в центре города. Когда вы попадаете туда, вы попадаете в мир животных. Существуют две большие территории в зоопарке с высоким мостом между ними. В прудах зоопарка можно увидеть красивых водоплавающих птиц. Работники зоопарка, ухаживающие за животными, кормят их, следят за их здоровьем, чистят их клетки. Они знают много о птицах и животных, и часто отвечают на вопросы посетителей. Московский зоопарк открыт во все времена года.(круглый год) Дети и их родители любят приходить туда. В настоящее время планируется переместить Московский зоопарк на новую более обширную территорию. Moscow Zoo is one of the largest and oldest zoos in Russia. It appeared in Moscow in 1864 and had 286 animals then. There are more than 6,000 different animals in its rich collection now: elephants and giraffes, polar bears and brown bears l, squirrels and foxes, deer and wolves, lions and tigers. At first the zoo's buildings were wooden. Now animals live in stone buildings when it is cold outdoors. Moscow Zoo is situated in the centre of the city. When you get there, you are in the animal world. There are two large territories in the zoo with a high bridge between them. In the zoo ponds you can see beautiful water birds. The zoo keepers, workers who look after the animals, feed them, keep them healthy, clean their cages. They know a lot about birds and animals and often answer the visitors' questions. Moscow Zoo is open in all seasons. Children and their parents enjoy going there. Now there are plans to move Moscow Zoo to a new larger territory.
Among all of the religious holidays, Christmas and Easter are the most beloved. Another important date is December 6, when St. Nicholas brings small gifts to the young children who have polished their shoes and placed them in front of a window in their home. Christmas carols, traditional foods and decorated trees are part of the Christmas traditions.
Regarding the spring customs, the PLOWMAN is a celebration of the man who first plows the fields in the spring.
The first day of March is the celebration of MARTISOR (mar-tsi-shor), a day when gifts of small objects--plants, shells, flowers, animals, snowmen or tools--as well as a red and white ribbon symbolizing life and purity--are given to young girls and women.
The Sunday before Easter Sunday is called FLOWERS' SUNDAY. On that day, a special celebration takes place for all who have names associated with flowers. Fish may be eaten that day.
As the year moved into autumn, September 14 brought the celebration of the RISE OF THE HOLY CROSS.
The harvest is celebrated by each family, as well as by the entire community. DRAGAICA is an interesting custom centered around a beauty contest. The most beautiful girl would become covered with fruit from the land.
For all Moldovan celebrations, song is an essential and very appreciated component of the ceremonial activities. Love songs, lullabies and party songs are also present in the Moldovan folklore.