The document summarizes the Bulgarian tradition of Baba Marta's Day and martenitsas celebrated on March 1st. The tradition originated from a story where a swallow delivered a message to the Bulgarian people with a white string tied to its leg that had been bloodied, symbolizing new life. Now on March 1st, Bulgarians make and give martenitsas, which are red and white strings representing life and hope, to family and friends. People wear them until the first signs of spring and believe martenitsas bring health, happiness and luck for the new year. The tradition helps mark the end of winter and beginning of spring.

1. Bulgaria
Baba Marta ‘s day

2. AN OLD BULGARIAN TRADITON
The martenitsa tradition is thought to
have been inspired by Bulgaria's first
Khan Asparuh, who sent a swallow with
a white string on its leg , after a battle,
to tell all the Bulgarian people that they
already have a new land .
The swallow was attacked on its way
by an eagle .Swallow’s blood soaked
in the white string. Although being
hurt the swallow managed to
complete its mission

3. The 1st of
March
On the 1st of March in
Bulgaria people make
and give their
relatives martenitsas .
Martenitsas are made
of red and white
strings /like this on
the swalow ‘s leg/ .
The red colour is for
“life/birth" and the
white is for hope ,
clear , new beginning.

4. Baba Marta
Grandma Marta
Baba Marta is seen as an old
lady who brings with her the
end of the cold winter and
the beginning of the
spring. She has very
contrasting moods. This is
related to the weather during
the month of March, which is
traditionally extremely
variable in Bulgaria – warm
and sunny weather means
that Baba Marta is happy;
when she is angry, the winter
frost returns.

5. Martenitsi
"Martenitsi" are red
and white coloured
wristbands, or figurines,
that symbolise health
and happiness. It is
believed that the
tradition of giving your
friends and relatives
red-and-white
interwoven strings
brings health and
happiness during the
year and is a reminder
that spring is near.

6. Martenitsi
People are supposed to take off their martenitsi when they see the first signs that
spring has already come - a blooming tree or a stork. When the martenitsa is taken
off some tie it to a tree - one that they'd like to be especially fruitful. Others place it
under a rock and based on what they find there the next morning guess what kind of
a year this one would be.

7. The martenitsa now comes in all shapes and sizes - from Guinness-worth
giant building packages to two tiny simple strings gently placed on a
newborn's arm. Children usually compete who will get the most and often
walk around more ornate than a Christmas tree. However, it always bears
the same meaning - a lucky charm against the evil spirits of the world, a
token for health and a sign of appreciation.

8. The longest martenitsa

9. All over the world people meet spring with joy and new hope
but it is only in Bulgaria where it is saved as an ancient custom.
If you are walking along the streets in
Everyone has decorated their
Bulgaria on 1 March you will witness
many smiling faces, but first of all your clothes with them.
eyes will be captured by martenitsi.

10. Martenitsi

11. You can see decorated dogs and cats. In the small villages in
the mountains people decorate their domestic animals:
lambs, kids, young horses. Houses have their own martenitsa,
as well.

12. You can make martenitsa too!
Feel the bulgarian joy and happiness!

13. It’s easy!

17. Good health , long life , a new beginning
and happiness- that brings the bulgarian
martenitsa to people!

18. Sending you love and kisses,
Mimi and Katherine
Polia Kostadinova