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| Martenitsa |
On the first day of March and few days afterwards, Bulgarians exchange and wear white and red tassels or small dolls called "Пижо и Пенда" (Pizho and Penda). In Bulgarian folklore the name Baba Marta (in Bulgarian баба Марта meaning Grandma March) is related to a grumpy old lady whose mood swings change very rapidly.
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| Martenitsa "Pizho and Penda" |
People are given each other martenitsi. The small red and white talisman are symbol of health and fertility. The red color is a symbol of the feminine beginning, health, conception and birth, and the white on the other hand is the male beginning, strength and light. The Bulgarian folklore notifies the beginning of the spring season and the new beginning.
The ritual of finally taking off the martenitsa may be different in the different parts of Bulgaria. Some people would tie their martenitsa on a branch of a fruit tree, thus giving the tree health and luck, which the person wearing the martenitsa has enjoyed himself while wearing it. There is also a belief when the wearer sees a stork or swallows returning from migration to removes martenitsa.
Martenitsi are always given as gifts. People never buy martenitsi 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.
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| The tree with martenitsi - Varna, city center |
