Martenitsa – unique symbol of love and well-being.
Old bulgarian traditional holiday 1st of march.

On March 1 Bulgarian people celebrate a traditional holiday called Baba Marta (or Grandma Marta in English), which is in fact celebration of the approaching spring.
On that day Bulgarians exchange so called “Martenitsi” and tell each other “Chestita Baba Marta!” (Happy Grandma Marta!). This custom celebrates the wish of good health, good luck and happiness to family and friends. The name “Martenitsa” comes from the Bulgarian word for the month of March (Mart).
In Bulgarian folklore Baba Marta is a grumpy lady who changes her mood quite unexpectedly and it reflects in the altering March weather. When she smiles the weather is sunny and warm, but when she gets angry – the weather gets dark and windy.
The traditional martenitsa is made of twisted red and white threads – wool, silk or cotton. The white is a symbol of strength, purity and happiness. The red is associated with health, conception and fertility.