Martenitsiby ~yamixhikari

Artisan Crafts / Basketry & Weavings

Martenitsa is a small piece of adornment, made of white and red threads and worn from March 1st until the 22nd March (or the first time an individual sees a stork or swallow). The name of the holiday is Baba Marta, a Bulgarian tradition related to welcoming the upcoming spring. 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.
The red and white threads are not just meaningless decoration, but symbolize the wish for good health. They are the heralds of the coming of spring in Bulgaria and life in general. While white as a color symbolizes purity and soul, red is a symbol of life and passion. Given as an amulet in the period of spring, when nature gets “reborn” and starts blossoming again it was not only a reminder of that balance but also a wish for health, strength and happiness. Martenitsas are always given as gifts. People never buy 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 swallow returning from migration, and then removes the Martenitsa and hangs it on a blossoming tree.

So these are my handmade martenitsas! I know March is far away but I'm going to hand them in soon