Martenitsa – The “Secret” Unique Amulet of Bulgaria

Martenitsa (marteniza, martenica, Bulgarian: мартеница, pronounced [ˈmartɛnit͡sa]) is a “Secret” unique amulet of Bulgaria for bringing good health, purity and passion.

An ancient custom is a small piece of adornment, made of white and red yarn and worn from March 1 until around the end of March (or the first time an individual sees a stork, swallow, or budding tree). Most of the time, the tassels are decorated with blue beads, small golden coins or colorful threads.

Wearing one or more Martenitsi is the World unique and a very popular Bulgarian tradition.

Baba Marta

„Baba“ (баба) is the Bulgarian word for „grandmother“ and Mart (март) is the Bulgarian word for the month of March. Baba Marta is a Bulgarian tradition related to welcoming the upcoming spring. When she is smiling the sun is shining; when she is mad, cold weather is firming the ground. The majority of the rituals aim to make her happy and merciful.

The most popular dolls for Martenitsa are Peejo and Penda.

Martenitsa is usually worn pinned on the clothes, near the collar, or tied around the wrist or neck.

This is an old tradition that remains almost unchanged today and the common belief is that by wearing the red and white colors of the martenitsa people ask Baba Marta for mercy. People receive Martenitsa as presents from relatives, friends and colleagues. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAigdUGSa6Q

Martenitsi are always given as gifts. Tradition dictates that people never buy Martenitsi for themselves. Best is when you make for others, and especially when kids make some for their family and friends.

The tradition calls for wearing the martenitsa until the person sees a stork or a blooming tree, and then removes the Martenitsa and hangs it on a blossoming tree.

 The stork is considered a harbinger of spring and as evidence that Baba Marta is in a good mood and is about to retire.