Bulgarian Martenitsa

A dear friend in Bulgaria sent my husband and me a Martenitsa to wear during March this year and on Sunday we tied them to the pear tree in our garden as the blossom was just coming out.  If you're interested I've given a short description about Martenitsi (plural) below!

At the beginning of spring each year Bulgarians exchange Martenitsi.  The name is derived from Baba Marta (Grandma March) who in folklore is a grumpy old woman whose rapid mood swings reflect the changeable March weather.  When she smiles it is sunny and warm but if she gets angry the cold will stay for longer and it may even snow!

The most typical Martenitsi represent two small woollen dolls - Pizho and Penda.  Pizho is a male doll in white representing strength, purity and happiness, and Penda is the female doll in red associated with health, blood, conception and fertility.  Very often Martinitsi are bracelets or necklaces made of intertwined red and white wool.

The custom of wearing Martenitsi is considered unique to Bulgaria.  They are given to family and friends on March 1st each year as a symbol of peace, love, health and happiness, and they are worn until March 22 (approximately 3 weeks later) when you see the first stork or swallow of the year or when you see the first signs of blossom on a fruit tree.

These days the red and white threads of yarn have come to symbolise the strong bond among Bulgarians around the world.