ellie925
March 1 is one of my favourite holidays here in Bulgaria. It’s called “Baba Marta”, which means “Granny Marta”. On this day we exchange small adornments made of red and white yarn called “martenitsi”. They could be cute bracelets or small dolls representing a boy and a girl. We wear them every day until the spring comes. When we see the first migratory birds, we tie our “martenitsi” to a blooming tree.
The month of March is traditionally associated with a woman because the weather changes like a woman’s mood. I’m sure men were those who thought this up. 😀
This holiday is celebrated in parts of Romania, and other Balkan countries too. I have a Romanian friend and he said that there only women who get “martenitsi”. Unlike there, here in Bulgaria everybody wears them, including domestic animals.
I know that there are many people from the Balkans here on Virily, so I’m curious to know how you celebrate this holiday in your country.
And if you are not from the Balkans, please tell me a little bit about your favourite holidays and traditions. 🙂
See also:
The International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Bulgaria
Yordanovden: An Unusual Bulgarian Tradition
How Much Do You Know About The Geography Of Bulgaria?
These are really gorgeous.
Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
What a very interesting tradition! I had never heard of it before.
Thank you so much, Barbara! I am glad I was able to help you learn something new. 🙂
Thank you very much! Have a wonderful weekend!
I just loved you saying that men must have thought up the connection with women – variety is at least better than stultification! Men are usually in a rut, whereas women are more adaptable…
Hehe, that’s true! Thank you so much for your comment!
Very interesting tradition … but hmm… people probably won’t like receiving my martenitsi … bad crafts lol
Thank you! Hehe, same here. Luckily, you can buy them everywhere now.
What a wonderful tradition! Great shots too, and I learned something!!
Thank you so much, Kim! I’m happy to hear that! 🙂
What a beautiful tradition! Thank you for sharing your celebrations with us, Ellie!
Thank you for your warm words! I’m glad it was interesting for you! 🙂
You’re more than welcome <3 One of my favorite things is learning about world cultures 🙂
As always you’ve shared something amazing Ellie! I love learning about the traditions of other countries! Thank you so much, plus, the pictures you shared were amazing!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m very happy to hear that! 🙂
Your country has a unique and memorable holiday. Unfortunately, we have no holidays or celebrations like that
Thank you for your kind words, but I’m sure that you have wonderful holidays that are just as fun and interesting!
Holidays and national celebrations in my country, in general, are the religious days of all religions + Independence day + some others that don’t have a special celebration. Other celebrations that are culturally or customarily based are usually local in character. Probably because my country is the largest archipelagic country in the world consisting of over 1,300 tribes.
With so many cultures and religions, I guess you have many holidays and that’s awesome too! The more, the better. 🙂
Hahahaha… yayaya… I agree with you, Ellie
Interesting festival…women change their moods? I am not aware, are you? ???
I was shocked when I heard it for the first time. ?
So engaging spring tradition, dolls and bracelets are so cute!
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Very nice! In romania it’s very similar but it’s called “Martisor”…
Thank you and thanks for sharing about the customs there! Happy Martisor!
Celebrations in Bulgaria are a delight to know of. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words!
I did not know of the celebrations in Bulgaria. This celebration is really neat.
Thanks for stopping by, I’m happy you find it interesting! 🙂
My pleasure to give you thanks for your awesome work.
What an awesome event you have shared with us.
Thank you very much, I’m happy you like it!
Very nice photos, thank you for sharing!
Thank you very much for stopping by!
My pleasure as always 🙂
From my heart I will take the red, from your face I will take the white and I will call our martenitsa for health, luck and love! Happy Baba Marta!
Happy Baba Marta, Elenka! Have a wonderful holiday! 🙂
What a great event you have shared with us Ellie.
Thank you so much, Carol! I’m glad you find it interesting! 🙂
a wonderful post, I’m from the Balkans, I heard about the grandmother in March….
but I did not know about this
Thank you very much, Branka! Glad I helped. 🙂