Mărţişor is a Romanian spring amulet traditionally worn on March 1st to welcome the arrival of spring. It consists of a small decoration like a flower or heart tied with a red and white string. The red symbolizes war and the white symbolizes peace, representing the battle between winter and spring. According to legend, Spring defeated Winter by helping a snowdrop flower survive, with a drop of Spring's blood bringing it back to life. Today, men gift women mărţişor amulets on March 1st which are worn for up to two weeks, as it is believed the wearer will be healthy and powerful throughout the coming year.