They were believed to protect people from diseases and evil forces. Old women would knit twisted strands of red and white threads to decorate the house. Young would get up early before anybody else in order to meet the first day of March and rejoice Baba Marta with their youth and beauty. Young and old would take care to keep Baba Marta in a good mood. They hoped that it would make winter pass faster and bring spring. By wearing the red and white colours of the Martenitsa, our predecessors asked Baba Marta for mercy. The belief was that when she was smiling the weather was sunny and warm, but if she got angry the cold would stay longer. Baba Marta is believed to be a grumpy old lady whose moods swing very quickly and it reflects in the changeable March weather. In Bulgarian folklore, Baba Marta is a mythical figure who brings with her the end of the cold winter and the beginning of spring. After that people can tie them on a blossoming tree for fertility thus giving the tree health and luck, which the person wearing the Martenitsa enjoyed while wearing it. The red is associated with health, vitality, fertility and bravery.Īccording to the tradition, people wear Martenitsas for a certain period, the end of which is usually associated with the first signs of spring – seeing a stork or a fruit tree in blossom. The white is a symbol of purity, innocence, beauty and joy. Martenitsas come in a variety of shapes and sizes: bracelets, necklaces, tassels, pompoms and balls. Penda is the female doll, usually in red colour and distinguished by her skirt. Pizho is the male doll, usually in white colour. The most typical Martenitsa represents two small dolls, known as Pizho and Penda. Martenitsa is made of twined red and white threads – woolen, silk, or cotton.

In some villages in the mountains people decorate their houses and domestic animals.

The Martenitsas are given away to friends, family and colleagues and are worn around the wrist or on clothes. On that day and a few days afterwards, Bulgarians exchange and wear the so-called “Martenitsas” – decorative pieces of red and white twisted threads, symbolising health and happiness and a lucky charm against evil spirits. Every year on 1st of March, Bulgarian people celebrate a centuries-old tradition called the day of Baba Marta (baba means ‘Grandma’ and Marta means ‘March’), related to sending off the winter and welcoming the approaching spring.

1st march baba marta