Martenica - Bulgarian tradition of welcoming spring.

25.02.2008

 On the first of March and the first few days after, Bulgarians give to one another white and red tassels or small wool dolls called "Pizho and Penda", or "Martenitsi".

This is a pagan tradition that remains the same for many years now.

The Martenica is a sign of arriving spring and Bulgarians give it to one another on the first day of March every year. They wear it untill they notice their first stork the given year. The bracelet 

Today Bulgarians give one another the red and white colours to please Baba Marta so that she will not make winter last. In doing so, they hope the spring will come as soon as possible. Many people wear more than one martenitsa, which they have received as presents from relatives, close friends and colleagues. Martenitsa is usually worn on the clothes pinned near to the collar or on the hand tied around the wrist. The tradition calls for wearing the martenitsa until the person spots a stork for the first time in the season.

This year you can get Martenica from your Spring Alive coordiantor - they are in the Spring Alive colours and you can give it to your friends on the first of March, to celebrate springtime.