Martenitsa- this is what Bulgarian people call a tiny decoration which they present to their friends on March 1st with wishes for good health and happiness throughout the year.

Martenitsi in the past

The custom of giving Martenitsi dates from pagan times. One of the legends of their origin is linked with the name of Khan Isperih, the founder of the Bulgarian state.

Symbols

The traditional Martenitsa consists of two tassels of red and white woollen threads. The white represents the outgoing snow and the red- the sunshine of the coming spring. Some people see the white as a symbol of purity and virtue and the red as a charm for good health and fertility.

Where is Martenitsa worn?

The Martenitsi used to be worn tied round the left wrist but nowadays they mostly appear on coat lapels. Once they were hung round the necks of domestic animals, on the branches of fruit trees and even in women’s plaits. Usually women wear red and white and that’s why it is said that ‘ Granny March’, an old woman in a red dress, red bonnet and red stockings, brings the spring.

Till when we should wear Martenitsa?

You wear your Martenitsa till you see the first tree in blossom or the first stork. Then you throw it in a river for your luck to flow like a river, hang it in an apple, plum or peach tree, or put it under a stone- if there are lots of ants nine days later, it will be a prosperious year.