MOLDOVANS DONT TRAVEL TO OUTER SPACE WITHOUT WINE. WHAT IS WINE FOR MOLDAVIANS?

This article discusses the significance of wine in the life of Moldavians. The authoress precisely describes the culture of wine, which influences almost every aspect of life in Moldavia. She discusses numerous customs related to wine consumption of festive and daily character, and traces their roots. Analyzing various myths, legends, metaphors, sayings and jokes related to wine, she brings the reader closely to Moldavians' feelings towards their beloved beverage and its extraordinary properties. The authoress discusses some of social aspects related to wine as well as their genesis, especially among the village communities. She also studies main factors, including government decisions and media influence, that have determined the status of national beverage of Moldova's wine. The wine is also being examined as one of the most essential components of Moldavian cultural identity. In the conclusion the authoress answers why the song cited in the title is the best answer to the question of what wine means for Moldavians.