The document discusses the Bulgarian tradition of Martenitsa, where people give each other white and red strings or bracelets starting on March 1st to please Baba Marta and make winter end sooner. People wear the Martenitsa until they see the first stork of the season, as the stork signals spring has come and Baba Marta is pleased. The tradition aims to bring health and luck through the new year.

1. Happy Grandma Marta !

17. This tradition has remained almost the same today as it was when it began. 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 bird is considered a harbinger of spring and is evidence that Baba Marta has been pleased and is about to retire.

18. I upon Bulgarian custom decorate all my friends with MARTENITSI ! On a health and luck! Vili