Bulgaria’s Beautiful Martenitsa Tradition

What is a Martenitsa?

Martenitsa (pronounced mar-te-nee-tsa) is a small red and white ornament worn in Bulgaria and parts of the Balkans to welcome spring. These decorations come in many forms, including the classic red and white bracelet, martenitsa necklace, and martenitsa brooch.

Some people also wear martenitsa dolls, called Pizho and Penda. Pizho is the male usually made of white thread and Penda is the female made of red.

Martenitsi (plural of Martenitsa) are deeply rooted in Bulgarian folklore and are exchanged on Baba Marta Day, celebrated on March 1st. UNESCO recognizes the tradition as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

What is the Story of Martenitsa?

The origin of Martenitsa in Bulgaria dates back to ancient times and is deeply linked to the founding of the Bulgarian state.

According to legend, when Khan Asparuh crossed the Danube River and established Bulgaria in the 7th century, he sent a message to his sister to inform her of his success. He tied a white thread to a falcon’s leg, but on its journey, the thread became stained with blood, turning part of it red.

This mix of red and white became a symbol of health, strength, and renewal. Over the centuries, the story evolved, and people began exchanging Martenitsi as a way to celebrate spring and wish for prosperity.

In Bulgarian tradition, red symbolizes life and vitality, while white represents purity and new beginnings.

Who is Baba Marta?

Baba Marta (or Grandma March) is a mythical figure in Bulgarian folklore who personifies spring. Her name means “Grandma March,” and she is believed to control the weather during this unpredictable month.

According to tradition, she is an old woman with a temper. If she is happy, she brings sunshine and warmth; if she is angry, cold spells return.

People wear Martenitsi to appease her, hoping for an early and pleasant spring.

Which Countries Have Martenitsa?

The Martenitsa tradition is most popular in Bulgaria, but other Balkan countries also celebrate it. Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, and Greece have similar traditions, where people wear red and white decorations to welcome spring.

However, it is in Bulgaria that the Martenitsa tradition is strongest and most widely observed.

How to Make a Martenitsa?

Making a Martenitsa is simple and fun! Here’s how:

• Take red and white threads (usually wool or cotton).
• Twist or braid them together to form a red and white bracelet or necklace.
• For Martenitsa dolls, shape one white (Pizho) and one red (Penda) figure from yarn.
• Decorate with beads or tassels if you like.

How to Tie a Martenitsa?

A Martenitsa bracelet is tied around the wrist by a friend or loved one while wishing good health and happiness. A Martenitsa necklace or Martenitsa brooch can be pinned to clothing.

It is important that someone else gives you a Martenitsa, rather than making one for yourself.

How Long to Wear a Martenitsa?

Martenitsi are worn until you see a stork or a blooming tree, both signs that spring has truly arrived. Some people wear them until the end of March.

What to Do with a Martenitsa?

Once you see storks or blooming trees, take off your Martenitsa and tie it to a tree. Many parks and gardens in Bulgaria are decorated with Martenitsi by the end of March. This symbolizes letting go of winter and embracing spring.

Some people also place their Martenitsa under a rock for good luck.