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?
Nice picture. Why are they in red?
Thank you! There are different legends, but they are in white and red, becasue white symbolizes beauty and purity, and red means vitality and health.
This custom was kept in eastern Serbia and Macedonia. On the first day of March, a traditional holiday related to the departure of winter and a welcome spring.
That’s wonderful! Happy holiday! 🙂
These are gorgeous, Ellie! Such a vibrant holiday tradition 😀
Thank you very much, Windy! 🙂