01/03/2022
Честита баба Марта! Бъдете здрави и усмихнати, бели и червени, румени, засмени!
1 March is a very special day in Bulgaria. People wish each other Chestita Baba Marta (Happy Grandmother March) and give each other red and white tassels or twists of thread, called martenitsa. The whole of Bulgaria is decked with red and white martinitsi (pl.) to welcome Baba Marta. The martenitsa is like a magical amulet to bring health and happiness.
People wear their martenitsa until they see a sign that spring has arrived, such as a stork, a snake or a tree in blossom, or until 25 March. Then they take it off, and tie it to a fruit tree or put it under a stone to bring further health and fertility.
In Bulgarian folklore Baba Marta is the mythical mistress of the month of March and the bringer of spring. She has two brothers (or lovers in other versions), Golyam Sechko (January) and Maluk Sechko (February). She often argues with them, particularly when they steal her wine.
Perhaps she is a reflection of an ancient goddess. Either way, it’s important to give Baba Marta and the seasonal cycle due respect in order to receive her blessing!
