Happy Grandma March!

So, today is March 1st. That meaning, it's Baba Marta (Баба Марта )! It is probably Bulgaria's most intrinsic holiday because it is purely unique to Bulgaria. The custom of wearing martenitsis (Мартеници) is only popular in Bulgaria. (I guess the backwards head nod is another one of those things that is popular ONLY in Bulgaria as well. At least we can say they have a uniquely different culture.)


Anyways...the holiday is celebrated by giving these red and white bracelets or pins, a.k.a. Martenitsis, to friends and loved ones. The streets are lined with vendors selling these things. They have all kinds of Martenitsi too, some have tassels, some have blue clasps, others have super heros, princesses, football teams and of course Alf (loved by all Bulgarians). The tradition is associated with optimism and anticipation of warmer weather, fertility and well-being. The white is supposed to symbolize a long life and red, health. According to tradition, when you see the first stork or swallow of the year, you are supposed to tie your martenitsa to a tree or bury it under a rock and you will have good health for the rest of the year.

Although there are many folk-legends based around this tradition, the following story is one of the most popular:

Many, many years ago, Khan Isperih left his home in the far away Tibetan mountains and went in search of fertile land for his people, the proto-Bulgarians. He crossed many mountains and rivers until finally he stopped in the land of the Slavs who met him cordially. Slav women, dressed in white, brought him cups of wine and the tables were piled with food, the fruits of this blessed land. But the khan was not happy for he was sick for his family – his mother and his sister Kalina. He sat on the bank of the big river and tears like pearls dropped down his masculine cheeks. His eyes looked in prayer towards the sun and the gods. And then the miracle happened.

A swift swallow alighted on his shoulder, and Isperih told her of his grief. The swallow flew away to the lands from which the Bulgarians came and told Kalina in a human voice that her brother has a new kingdom, that he grieves about her and sends her greetings. Kalina was very happy to hear that and decided to send a message to her brother. She made a nosegay of green plants, tied it with white woolen thread, made some knots on it meaning best regards and sent it back with the swallow.

The bird flew like thunder and very soon was on the shoulder of Isperih again. But after the long journey, its wing was wounded and its bright red blood had tinted the thread. The khan took the nosegay with joy, read in the knots his sister’s greetings, put the nosegay on his breast and the martenitza shone bright. Since that moment, Isperih ordered his people to make a bunch of twisted white and red thread and wear it on their breasts on this day – for health and blessing from heaven.


This happened on 1st of March and the tradition has remained until this day. It is a tradtion loved by all, too. It may seem a bit excessive, but I walked home from school today with about 75 martinisis covering both my wrists. I just kept getting them as gifts from teachers and students alike and I didn't want to offend anyone so I kept putting them on. Although the tradition says that I must keep them on until I see a swallow or stork, or the end of March, whichever comes first, I have decided to take the majority of them off. It is, really, a fascinating custom though. Now wherever you go you see people sporting these things. Little kids, police officers, bus drivers, even the stray cat has one as a collar...everyone!