Origin and Meaning:

• Ancient cultural festival marking the arrival of spring

• Celebrated on May 5th

• Rooted in both Islamic and pre-Islamic Anatolian traditions

• Named after legendary figures Hızır (Al-Khidr) and İlyas (Elijah)

Cultural Significance:

• Symbolizes renewal, hope, and prosperity

• Believed to be a magical day when wishes come true

• Represents harmony between nature and human life

Traditional Practices:

• People gather outdoors in parks and gardens

• Prepare special meals and picnics

• Jump over bonfires for good luck

• Make wishes and tie colored ribbons to trees

• Young people perform traditional dances

• Perform rituals for health, happiness, and success

Geographical Spread:

• Widely celebrated in Anatolia

• Also observed in Balkan countries

Symbolic Rituals:

• Collecting morning dew

• Preparing special herbal teas

• Cleaning and decorating homes

• Wearing new clothes

• Sharing food with neighbors and community

A day of joy, hope, and cultural connection celebrating spring's arrival.

It was the second written constitution in the world (after American one). It constituted the Republic of Poland.

The 3rd of May Constitution Day was celebrated until the last partition. Celebrating the 3rd of May was banned in all partitions, only after World War I when Poland regained independence was the 3rd of May Constitution Day revived. During World War II during the German and Soviet occupation the holiday was banned. Only in 1981 did the people's government allow the 3rd of May celebrations. Since 1989, the 3rd of May Constitution Day is again a national holiday and since 2007 it has also been celebrated in Lithuania (due to we were the union from 1385 to 1795).

It is one of the most important celebrations in Poland. Children at schools perform historical shows and everyone is dressed elegant (white shirts or blouses and dark trousers or skirts). The day before we celebrate the day of the Polish flag when everyone should have the flag of Poland on their house and it is obligatory for each institution.

Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord.

Red eggs

The most famous Easter custom has its origins in the scene where Jesus was crucified on the cross on Good Friday. Coming to see her crucified son, the Virgin Mary had in her hand a basket of eggs that turned red from the blood of the Savior. In popular tradition, red eggs are good luck. That is why, on Easter morning, it is good to wash our faces with water from a vessel in which red eggs and silver coins are placed.

At the same time, red eggs are cracked at the Easter table along with the well-known line "Christ is Risen! - Truly He is Risen!", which symbolizes the forgiveness of a grave sin of those who said it.

Moreover, if someone discovers two yolks in an egg, that person will soon get married.

On the first day of Easter, there is a custom of wearing new clothes. The gesture symbolizes the renewal of the body and soul.

Tradition says that in order to always be together with our loved ones, we must share the first cracked egg with all family members. The egg must also be broken by the head of the family. He also cleans it, and everyone will take a piece of that egg and eat it at once.

The National Day of Traditional Costume in Romania was established by Law 102/2015 and is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, this year May 11, 2025.

According to the normative act, the marking of this day has the role of promoting Romanian folk costume, of "highlighting the invaluable values ​​that traditional costumes specific to each area represent"

The folk costume was the secret of the soul of the woman, the one who created true masterpieces over time in the moonlight, in the long winters.

The Romanian folk costume dates back to the 9th-10th centuries, but more numerous testimonies exist from the 14th century, the oldest representation of the authentic Romanian costume being recorded in the Vienna Painted Chronicle of 1358, which describes the Battle of Posada between the King of Hungary, Carol Robert of Anjou, where the costume of Basa au Menahaen Voie and the costume of Basa au Menahaen Voie is represented, with long shirts, tied at the waist with a belt or strap, isari, opinci and hats made of pieces of sheepskin on the head.

No one was allowed to sleep on this day because it was believed that whoever violated the ban would be sleepy for the entire year.
Of all the customs listed, only the custom of decorating gateposts and the doors with green willow branches is still preserved in contemporary communities.

It is believed that on this day, birds teach their young to fly.
Considering that a new generation threatens the harvest, it was forbidden to work on this day. By resting from field work, it was believed that the harvest would not be eaten by birds.
It is the last day when corn, oats and millet were sown. It is said among the people that everything sown after this day dries up.
It is the day when the shepherds decide who will be the shepherd, where the sheepfolds will be made and who they will hire to guard them during grazing.
The milk from each sheep is measured and marked on the tally. 
To protect themselves from evil forces, the peasants would sit around a fire. The sheep would also be passed through the smoke from this fire, "so that they would be protected from evil", while they would be alone in the sheepfold.

(photo by Fotis Parakatselakis)

We painted the mountain of Golgota where He was crucified and I explained them the meaning of cthis celebration: Jesus Christ was sacrified for our sins because God loved us so much that He gave for people His only Son.

April 23rd marks the day when the Turkish nation gained its sovereignty and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was opened. This significant day was dedicated to children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and is celebrated annually as the "National Sovereignty and Children's Day."

This special day is celebrated to convey messages of peace, love, and brotherhood to children all around the world. Atatürk regarded children as the guarantee of the Republic and emphasized the importance of educating them for a better future. April 23rd is not only a holiday for Turkish children but also an international celebration for children worldwide.

The holiday marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as presented in the Bible.

Traditions:

A common tradition is the Easter egg hunt and the joy of sharing traditional culinary dishes.

Preserving traditions:

Many people preserve their Easter traditions and customs from generation to generation, gathering as families and sharing special dishes and moments.

During this period, Christians go to church where they sing various religious songs dedicated to this holiday.

The children painted icons illustrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the evening, the priests with the "Receive ye light from the unquenchable light and glorify Christ risen from the dead" ask the faithful to light their candle with the Holy Light, which symbolizes Christ.

On Easter Sunday, each family roasts a whole lamb or goat and they eat all together.

On the same day we eat the Easter cookies and buns that we have prepared.

Today is a beautiful reminder to celebrate the incredible women who shape our lives with their love, strength, and kindness. A mother is not just someone who gives us life, but someone who stands by us through every laugh, every tear, and every dream we chase.

To every mom — thank you for the countless sacrifices you make, the lessons you teach, and the warmth you bring into our world. Whether it’s a gentle hug after a tough day, words of encouragement when we need them most, or simply being there, your love makes life brighter.

Let’s cherish and honor all the mothers, grandmothers, mother figures, and those who hold us close in their hearts. You are appreciated, loved, and celebrated today and always.

Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸💖