Baba Marta ‘s day

Bulgaria

AN OLD BULGARIAN TRADITONThe martenitsa tradition is thought to have been inspired by Bulgaria's first Khan Asparuh, who sent a swallow with a white string on its leg , after a battle, to tell all the Bulgarian people that they already have a new land .

The swallow was attacked on its way by an eagle .Swallow’s blood soaked in the white string. Although being hurt the swallow managed to complete its mission

The 1st of March

On the 1st of March in Bulgaria people make and give their relatives martenitsas . Martenitsas are made of red and white strings /like this on the swalow ‘s leg/ . The red colour is for “life/birth" and the white is for hope , clear , new beginning.

Baba MartaGrandma Marta

Baba Marta is seen as an old lady who brings with her the end of the cold winter and the beginning of the spring. She has very contrasting moods. This is related to the weather during the month of March, which is traditionally extremely variable in Bulgaria – warm and sunny weather means that Baba Marta is happy; when she is angry, the winter frost returns.

Martenitsi"Martenitsi" are red and white coloured wristbands, or figurines, that symbolise health and happiness. It is believed that the tradition of giving your friends and relatives red-and-white interwoven strings brings health and happiness during the year and is a reminder that spring is near.

Martenitsi

People are supposed to take off their martenitsi when they see the first signs that spring has already come - a blooming tree or a stork. When the martenitsa is taken off some tie it to a tree - one that they'd like to be especially fruitful. Others place it under a rock and based on what they find there the next morning guess what kind of a year this one would be.

The martenitsa now comes in all shapes and sizes - from Guinness-worth giant building packages to two tiny simple strings gently placed on a newborn's arm.

Children usually compete who will get the most and often walk around more ornate than a Christmas tree. However, it always bears the same meaning - a lucky charm against the evil spirits of the world, a token for health and a sign of appreciation.

The longest martenitsa

All over the world people meet spring with joy and new hope but it is only in Bulgaria where it is saved as an ancient custom.

If you are walking along the streets in Bulgaria on 1 March you will witness many smiling faces, but first of all your eyes will be captured by martenitsi.

Everyone has decorated their clothes with them.

Martenitsi

You can see decorated dogs and cats. In the small villages in the mountains people decorate their domestic animals:

lambs, kids, young horses. Houses have their own martenitsa, as well.

You can make martenitsa too!Feel the bulgarian joy and happiness!

It’s easy!

Good health , long life , a new beginning and happiness- that brings the bulgarian martenitsa to people!

Sending you love and kisses,Mimi and Katherine

Polia Kostadinova