BABA MARTA’S DAY

The martenitsa (representing white and red twisted threads) has been bringing health, happiness and longevity since ancient times.

The old Bulgarians believed that in nature there was some evil force, which would wake up in the spring. In folk beliefs, on the other hand, the 1st of March marks the beginning of spring. Martenitsa’s are credited with the magical power of protecting against evil, especially against diseases and black magic. They are taken off only after the first stork has been seen, and they are hung on a blossoming green tree or under a stone.

The Martenitsa is part of the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage elements.