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If you walk around any Bulgarian city, town, or village on the 1st of March, you’ll immediately notice something curious — almost everyone is wearing red-and-white yarn decorations called martenitsa. Some wear them as bracelets, others pin them to their coats, scarves, or bags.
This is how Bulgarians welcome spring and celebrate one of their most beloved traditions — Baba Marta.
What Is Baba Marta?
Baba Marta, which translates as Grandma March, is a traditional Bulgarian holiday celebrated on the 1st of March. For Bulgarians, this date symbolically marks the beginning of spring.
March, however, is known for its unpredictable weather. One day it may be cold and rainy, the next warm and sunny. According to folklore, this constant change reflects the mood of Baba Marta herself. When she is smiling, the sun shines. When she is angry, the rain falls.
To make her happy and encourage warmer days, people began wearing bright red-and-white martenitsi. It was believed that when Baba Marta saw the cheerful colors, she would send mild, sunny weather.
The Legend Behind the Martenitsa
One of the most popular legends connects the tradition to Asparuh, the founder of the Bulgarian state in the 7th century.
According to the story, when Asparuh led his people to new lands, a white thread was sent to him by his sister (in some versions, his daughter) as a symbol of protection and good fortune. The thread was tied to a bird’s leg so it could reach him. During its journey, the bird was injured and the thread became stained red.
Thus, the combination of white and red was born — symbolizing life, strength, protection, and the ability to endure hardships. This is why every traditional martenitsa is made of two twisted threads: one white and one red.
How to Make a Martenitsa
Today, martenitsi come in many forms. The most popular design is called Pizho and Penda (grandchildren of Baba Marta) — two small figures, a male (white) and a female (red), usually shown holding hands. They symbolize balance, harmony, and new beginnings.
The simplest traditional version, however, is the bracelet martenitsa. If you’d like to make one yourself, all you need is a white string and a red string. Tie the ends together, twist the threads, and your martenitsa is ready.
When Do You Take It Off?
You wear your martenitsa until you see the first stork flying in the sky or the first blooming fruit tree. That moment signals that spring has truly arrived.
According to tradition, you then remove the martenitsa and either tie it to a blossoming tree or place it under a stone. It is believed that this ritual brings health, happiness, and good luck throughout the year.
That is why in early spring you’ll often see trees decorated with countless red-and-white threads — small wishes hanging among the blossoms.
photo: Dimitra Lefterova
If you are a visual learner, take a look at this video showing you how to make your own martenitsa:
Baba Marta is more than just a tradition. It’s a living symbol of renewal, hope, and the uniquely Bulgarian way of welcoming spring — with color, optimism, and a touch of folklore magic.
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