I was born in Royal-Oak, Michigan and I am proud of my hybrid cultural background. Despite both of my parents being Romanian nationals, they moved to the United States twenty-three years ago. During my upbringing, I frequently heard them discussing Romania's origins as a nation, its formation, and the distinct elements of Romanian culture. One of my father's favorite stories is about Decebalus - a formidable opponent of the Roman Empire who fought three wars before ultimately succumbing to defeat by Trajan. According to my father, Decebalus got his name from the Dacian language which means "powerful" and "brave." Interestingly enough, Decebalus made the decision to end his own life rather than be captured by the Romans.
In Romania, Decebalus is celebrated as a patriotic figure, symbolizing the Dacian heritage of the Romanian population. During my one-month stay
...in Romania last summer, I was enthralled by its vibrant customs and captivating history. A memento that holds immense significance to me from that journey is a small replica of an intricately carved statue depicting Decebalus. This present serves as a perpetual reminder of our origins, the valorous persona he embodies, and the chronicle of our past. Despite residing in the United States for numerous years, my family and I still maintain a profound attachment to Romanian culture.
In our family, we proudly display the Romanian culture in various ways such as food, holiday celebrations, religion, friends, music, and language. During Christmas and Easter, our home has the same aroma as homes in Romania because of the traditional Romanian food we cook. One dish that I particularly love is "sarmale," which we eagerly anticipate every Christmas.
During Easter, our house
is filled with the enticing aroma of "Cozonac," a special Romanian bread. This delicious bread, exclusively made by my mom for Easter, is packed with raisins and walnuts. Throughout my childhood, my grandparents were vital in preserving my Romanian cultural identity and played a significant role in my life. They not only taught me the Romanian language but also shared countless tales from Romanian folklore. From the moment I entered this world until I reached ten years old, I had a strong bond with them that greatly influenced my connection to my roots. Their influence continues to guide our family's dedication to upholding Romanian traditions.
As a product of two cultures, I blend both American and my own culture. Being born in the United States, my family fully embraces American traditions. I have American friends and actively participate in their cherished customs. In today's multicultural society, it is common to preserve our cultural heritage while also adapting to the ever-changing world. Our culture influences our values, past experiences, interactions with the world, and relationships with others.
Culture includes a country's past events, beliefs, customs, and things that make us proud, distinguishing us in a multicultural world.
