8/18/2023 0 Comments Baba marta celebrate in bg image![]() The martenitsa was also associated with a person’s social status. In the past, Bulgarians hung their white and red amulets on all parts of the body, including the neck and legs. It was something adopted from the Bulgarian population living there.” In Romania, the practice of exchanging martenitsa is also known. “One can spot martenitsas even all the way in Ukraine, Serbia, and Greece. This tradition is still present there,” adds Margarita Milanova of the History Museum in Silistra in northeastern Bulgaria. “In fact, March 1 is a pagan holiday celebrated not only in Bulgaria but in all territories where Bulgarians live, such as Romania, Moldova, and North Macedonia. This episode made the Khan order his people to adorn themselves with white and red threads, just like the wounded falcon. However, the bird hurt itself, and the thread turned red. His beautiful sister Huba once sent him a message in the form of a white thread tied to the leg of a falcon, the legend goes. According to one theory, this amulet originates from the time when the Thracians lived in these lands and attached red threads to domestic animals to protect them from diseases.Īnother legend refers to Khan Asparuh, the 7th-century founder of Bulgaria. Questions still abound about the origin of the martenitsa. Sometimes other symbols may be added, such as a snail shell, a clove of garlic to ward off dark forces, or a coin for prosperity. In some regions of Bulgaria, different colors are allowed for example, blue, which protects against the evil eye, is often used instead of white in the Sofia area. White symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings, while red represents life, conception, the energy of the sun, and fertility. The red and white colors of the martenitsa come with their own meaning. Martenitsa, the Bulgarian amuletĪnd, of course, there’s the martenitsa, a guaranteed way to get on Baba Marta’s good side. ![]() Back in the day, it was also common to hang a red tablecloth in the yard as a way to ensure preferential treatment for the house and its inhabitants by Baba Marta. Sounds familiar? That’s right spring cleaning was a thing before Marie Kondo. This is why people would clean their homes thoroughly. Photo: / Elkhophoto.įor starters, it was believed that the old woman would only enter an orderly house. Photo: / encrier Martenitsas sold at a stand in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. A branch of a blossoming cherry tree with a red and white martenitsa – a traditional symbol of the first spring day. With everyone craving sunny weather after the long winter, a major part of the customs in March serves one purpose only: appeasing Baba Marta. If she is in a bad mood, the sign would come in the form of strong winds and clouds. In ancient times, Bulgarians believed that when Baba Marta laughed, the weather would be warm. Baba Marta is also the personification of the month of March, also known as “Women’s Month.” She is perceived as a symbol of conception, the reawakening of land, and fertility. Regardless of her age, however, she represents new beginnings, expressed by the return of spring. According to folk legends, she is an elderly woman. The first day of March is inextricably linked to the mythical heroine of Bulgarian folklore, Baba Marta, or Grandma March. “ The martenitsas are a purely Bulgarian symbol,” says Margarita Milanova, an ethnographer at the History Museum in Silistra, in conversation with 3Seas Europe. And just in case, as a protection against evil forces. They also serve as a blessing for a long healthy life. The red and white ornaments are exchanged between relatives and friends with a message for better days and success throughout the year.
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