March 1 – Martenitsa holiday

In most countries in the world March is the month when Spring arrives, but in Bulgaria there is a special way to celebrate this season’s arrival. What special way? It’s a popular tradition according to which you give and receive gifts. It’s not just any gifts. They are accessories named martenitsi and are made from white and red threads. There are different kinds, but the most common way to use them is as bracelets. Speaking of this, we can’t forget to mention Baba Marta (Granny Marta). According to the popular beliefs she is a limping old woman who personifies the sun and the Spring, as well as the month of March (that’s why it’s called the feminine month). There are a lot of legends about Baba Marta and according to one of them, she is the sister of the months January and February and she is always angry, because her brothers always joke with her or they drink the whole wine and they don’t let her try it.
As for the martenitsa, she is the most loved Bulgarian symbol. Each of the colors has its own meaning. The white symbolizes purity, innocence, new beginning. The red symbolizes life, fertility, solar energy. Bulgarians believe that wearing martenitsa will protect from negative energy and bring a long life. It’s also done for health, luck and success during the year. However the martenitsa is used only for a certain period of time. You can stop wearing it if you see a flowering tree or a stork. According to one legend, martenitsa’s origin dates since Khan Asparuh’s reign (second half of VII century). He receuved a message in the form of a white thread, tied to a bird’s leg, from his sister Huba. During the flight the bird got hurt and the thread turned red as well. The Khan became really happy from hearing news from his sister, so he ordered that everyone wear red and white thread. It is believed that the tradition originates from this event.