#martisor

15 years ago (Mar 1st, 2010) - Martisor 2010

It's called Mărțișor (literally translated as Little March).

So, Mărțișor is an ancient Romanian tradition, symbolizing the arrival of spring, purity, and rebirth. It consists of a red-and-white intertwined cord, often accompanied by a small charm, brooch, bracelet or little jewelry worn as a talisman to bring good luck and health. The custom is actually recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

It is related to our mythological tale of Baba Dochia: legend says that she spins the "thread of the year" while driving her sheep to the mountains, representing the transition from winter to spring. That thread is represented with red (life, the sun's strength) and white (purity, health and the melting snow).

We typically pin this charm to clothing on the left side of the chest or it's worn as a bracelet throughout March. At the end of March, we tie the string to a tree branch, with hope that our wishes and good health will be carried by the wind and fulfilled.

This year I made my own Mărțișor, a hand painted brooch with a cute bunny to bring springtime faster.

Happy First March!