#martenitza

Martenitza (мартеница) is a Bulgarian tradition related to spring and the revival of life. The white cloth symbolizes happiness and clearness, the red cloth - health.

The old legend says that Khan Asparukh attached a white cloth to an eagle and sent it to his sister after he won the Battle of Ongal . However, during his flight, the eagle was injured so part of the white cloth turned red by the blood of the bird. Thus the first martenitza was created.

Later, two characters on the martenitza were introduced: Pijo and Penda. They represent happy and healthy people.

Also a distinguishing character related to this tradition is Baba Marta. She represents the month March and the beginning of spring. Baba marta may be cheerful and happy so the month of march would be sunny and warm. But if someone angers Baba Marta then the month would be snowy and freezingly cold.   

The tradition says that during the first 3 days of March everyone should buy a martenitza for one's relatives and friends and greet them with " Chestita Baba Marta! ".

You will bear your martenitza until you see a stork - the spring have come, tie the martenitza to a fruit tree so it would be healthy and fertile.