When does Moldova celebrate its Independence Day?
Moldova is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe. It celebrates its Independence Day every year on August 27 to mark the anniversary of Moldova’s Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
How do the people of Moldova celebrate their Independence Day?
The Independence Day celebrations begin with a flower-laying ceremony at the Statue of Prince Stefan the Great, the founder of the Moldovan state. This is usually followed by a presidential address to the nation, and a military parade. The parade was first held in 2001, the 10th anniversary of Moldova’s independence. Concerts, fairs, fireworks, and other outdoor events mark this joyous occasion.
What is the significance of Independence Day of Moldova?
The modern day Moldova was known as the principality of Moldavia in 14th century. In 16th century, the principality came to be part of the Ottoman Empire that existed between 1299 and 1922. In 1791, Russia acquired part of Moldavian territory. The Treaty of Bucharest signed between Ottoman Empire and Russia in 1812 enabled Russia to gain the eastern part of the Principality of Moldavia – the region between Prut and Dniester Rivers, which later came to be known as Bessarabia.
Western Moldavia remained under Ottoman Empire. In 1918, following the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, Bessarabia proclaimed its independence, and called for union with Romania. In 1920, an attempt was made to establish Romanian supremacy over Bessarabia through the Treaty of Paris. The treaty however never came into force.
Two years after USSR was formed in 1922, Russia established Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR). In 1940, Russia annexed Bessarabia and united both – Moldavia ASSR, and some districts of Bessarabia to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
the region saw a wave of openness when the Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev introded reforms. This led to a revival of Moldovan nationalism in 1980. Finally, in 1991, Moldova declared its independence from Soviet Union. The country changed its name to Moldova after its independence.
What does the flag of Moldova represent?
The flag of Moldova was adopted on April 27, 1990. The flag is inspired by the Romanian flag, reflecting the shared legacy between the two countries. It is a vertical tricolor flag of blue, yellow, and red. In the center of the middle strip is the Moldovan coat of arms. It consists of a dark-golden eagle with an orthodox Christian cross in its beak, and olive branch in one talon. The olive branch represents peace.
The eagle holds the scepter of Michael, the Brave of Walachia (a historic region in Eastern Europe) in the other talon. The blue and red chest of the eagle holds the shield which is divided horizontally with a traditional Moldovan motif – an auroch’s (extinct European ox) head, star, rose, and crescent.
The flag epitomizes the democratic principles, the history, and unity of Moldovan people, and promises equal rights.
Who wrote the national anthem of Moldova?
Limba Noastra, which means “our language” or “our tongue”, was adopted as the national anthem of Moldova in 1994. The lyrics of the anthem were written by Alexei Mateevici; the song calls for people to revive their native language. The music of the song was composed by Alexandru Cristea. The importance placed on language in the Moldovan society is evident in the Limba Noastra.