Soarele şi Luna
Pasha Parfeni
A Celestial Union: The Symbolism of 'Soarele şi Luna'
Pasha Parfeni's song 'Soarele şi Luna' is a poetic and romantic ode to love and marriage, deeply rooted in natural and celestial imagery. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love story that is blessed by the sun and the moon, two powerful symbols in many cultures. The repeated refrain 'Soarele, soarele, soarele și luna / Ne-or ține, ne-or ține, ne-or ține cununa' translates to 'The sun, the sun, the sun and the moon / Will hold, will hold, will hold our crown,' suggesting that their union is not only earthly but also divinely sanctioned.
The song begins with references to nature, such as 'Codrule cu frunza deasă' (Forest with dense leaves) and 'Nistrule cu apă lină' (Dniester with calm water), setting a serene and idyllic backdrop for the love story. These natural elements symbolize the purity and timelessness of their love. The protagonist finds his bride and serenades her with traditional songs, or 'doine,' until she reciprocates his affection. This courtship is depicted as a dance, a celebration of love that culminates in a promise of marriage under a starry sky.
The celestial imagery of the sun and moon holding their 'cununa' (crown) is particularly significant. In many cultures, the sun and moon are seen as eternal witnesses to human events, and their presence in the song suggests a love that is both eternal and blessed by higher powers. The promise of a wedding 'sub un cer cu stele' (under a sky with stars) and the giving of a rare stone ring further emphasize the sacred and precious nature of their union. Pasha Parfeni's use of repetitive, almost chant-like phrases adds a ritualistic quality to the song, making it feel like an invocation of blessings for the couple's future.