On the first day of March and for many days afterwards, Bulgarians exchange and wear white symbols called Martenitsa. In Bulgarian folklore Baba Marta (meaning Grandma March) is related to a grumpy old lady whose mood changes very rapidly. The month of March, according to Bulgarian folklore, marks the beginning of springtime. Therefore, the first day of March is a traditional holiday associated with sending off winter and welcoming spring. This is an old pagan tradition, that remains almost unchanged. The common belief is that by wearing the red and white symbol, people ask Baba Marta for mercy. They hope that she will chase winter away and bring the long expected spring. Celebrating

People proudly wear more than one martenitsa, which they have received as presents from relatives, friends and colleagues. Martenitsa is usually worn pinned on the clothes, near the collar, or tied around the wrist. The tradition is to wear the martenitsa until one person sees a stork or a blooming tree. The storks return to our places in spring and as evidence that Baba Marta is in a good mood and about to retire. The martenitsa symbolises new life, conception, fertility, and spring. The time during which it is worn is meant to be a joyful holiday commemorating health and long life. People tie them on blooming fruit trees, on animals, on the doors of homes, with the hope that it will bring health, wealth and fertility.

The martenitsa is also a symbol of Mother Nature. In early spring Nature seems full of hopes and expectations. The white as a color symbolizes snow, water and purity, red is the symbol of the sun, of life and passion. Both represent the source of life. They are also associated with the male and female beginnings. So this custom reminds people of the constant cycle of life and death, the balance of good and evil, and of the sorrow and happiness in human life. Wearing one or more martenitsi is very popular Bulgaria. Martenitsas are always given as gifts. People never buy martenitsas for themselves. They are given to loved ones, friends, and those people whom one feels close to. They are worn on clothing, or around the wrist or neck, until the wearer sees a stork, or a blossoming tree, and then removes the Martenitsa and hangs it on a blossoming tree.