The legend of “mărior”

The "Mărior" (popular name for the month of March) is celebrated in Romania on the first day of March. By tradition, women receive gifts of small pendants attached to a red and white braided string.

It is said that " Mărior " brings good luck and chance. It is worn for a few days, from March 1. In fact, by tradition we say we must carry it until the day we meet the first branch in bloom. Then we should hang it on the branch in bloom and express a wish!

At the time of the Dacians (ancestors of the Romanians), symbols of spring were made during the winter and were worn after March 1. The " Mărioare " (plural of " Mărior ") were at the time small white stones and red strung and worn around the neck. Red - fire, blood and sun - symbol of life, so as the woman, and the white - light - symbolized wisdom of man. Later the " Mărior " is represented by the intertwinning of these two colors.

According to other sources, mărioarele were originally coins attached to the son of black and white wool. The nature of the piece, gold, silver or bronze, indicated social status. The Dacians believed that these small objects brought fertility and harmony. They were worn until the trees bloom and were then attached to the branches thereof.

The Legend of Dochia… A few hundred years ago, an old woman named Dochia had a daughter she hated! One day cold winter, Dochia gave her a particularly dirty clothing, asking her to go wash in the river until it turns white as snow... The young woman began to wash with strength courage but, the more she washed, it was again more black! That's when a man named Mărior came and asked her why she was crying? She told him of his misfortune... That's when he told her he had a magical power. He gave the young woman a flower red and white (you know the deal...) and told her to wash the clothing one last time... and go home. When she arrived, the linen was white as snow. The old Dochia do not believe his eyes. She had no idea that his beautiful daughter to succeed the bet... Suddenly she saw the flower in the hair of his daughter. "Where is she?" said the old woman, "it is still winter." The old thought that spring had come to the mountain and went with his flock on the summits. En route took the cold rain and arrived at the summit, it appeared Mărior... "How do you feel here at this time so cold?" he said. "you forcing your daughter to come here to wash clothes in the stream?". He said he was responsible Dochia time! And he disappeared... Old Dochia remained alone in the mountains, frost came and the stepmother was turned to stone... All this was the work of Mărior... and then came the spring!

The " Mărior " can be purchased or can be made ​​ by the person who wants to offer. It can be realized in metal, wood, glass, wool, plastic, etc..

Or semi-precious stones such as jade teardrop

Or a woodcut, as it is made ​​ by a pupil

Or felt hat and feathers as

Old " Mărioare " made at the club by the children

The possibilities are endless: Bird realized in worm

Le « mărior » peut etre aussi l’initiale de la personne a laquelle on l’offre

Or... a small icon

A small chimney sweeper "that brings good luck"

An enamel heart

A butterfly made of felt

A Mushroom made of combined materials

Spring flowers card with dedication

The " Mărior " can also be a silver brooch

Even if the "Mărior" is purchased, some people used to make the cards who accompanied it, themselves …

Old cards made ​​ at the "Martha Bibescu" Children’s Club Comarnic for March 1.