Grandma March Day 

Grandma March Day is a holiday celebrated in Bulgaria, on the first of March. Martenitsa - usually in the form of a wrist band, woven by combining red and white colored threads - are worn on that day and through March, until a stork or a bloomed tree is seen, symbolizing warmer weather and well being.

There are various theories and suggestions (even several legends, involving real historical figures) about the symbolism of these two particular colors - red & white, from which Martenitsa are made. An obvious explanation and perhaps a common belief people share, is that "red" stands for "life/birth" and "white" denotes "anew/on clear grounds". Combined together, they mean "newborn", "rebirth", "a new beginning"; a celebration of Life and Survival.

Another popular explanation is that white stands for wisdom and red for good health, which means that anyone giving you a Martenitsa is wishing you both throughout the new year.

The tradition of tie someone a Martenitsa - twisted white and red wool thread on the first of March comes from the ancient Bulgarians, whose women tied men martenitsi for strength in fights, health and longevity. Nowadays this ritual is practiced not only in our country but also Romania, Greece, Macedonia and Serbia.

In Romania martenitsas are tied only on wrists of women and little children, while men may have martnitsas at some hidden part of their body, in one of their shoes for instance. In Greece only children may have martenitsas tied around their wrists. In our country we tie martenitsas also to young animals and fruit trees as well as men.

The thadition says that the oldest woman should clean the house before sunrise and take out and stretch a red cloth like skirt, table cover, bed-spread or waist belt. It is believed that this act will make Baba Marta happy and gracious to the house and its occupants. A twisted white and red wool thread - Martenitsa is tied on wrists of children, teenage girls and young married women. Young people should go out by all means so that Baba Marta can see them and become happy. Older women should not go out because they would make Baba Marta very angry.

The end.

Prepared: Rusiana Todorova 2012-2013 Sources:http://bg.wikipedia.org