By G.J. (8th Grade)

Like most, if not all cultures, Bulgaria has its own national holidays, its own superstitions, and its own beliefs. It’s like Americans and their whole deal with apple pie; it’s a way of life, one that shouldn’t be questioned, only discussed.

On the first of March is a holiday called Baba Marta (Bulgarian for Grandma March), named eponymously after a mythical old woman, Baba Marta.

Baba Marta is believed to be the sister of two mischievous brothers; Golyam (meaning ‘large’) Sechko and Malak Sechko (meaning small), who are embodiments of January and February respectively. The reason for bad weather during March can be summed up in just a few words: Baba Marta is irritated with her brothers. However, if the weather outside is sunny with a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere, it can also probably be credited to Baba Marta’s good mood.

For this reason, Bulgarians would historically go out of their way to ‘please’ Baba Marta. This includes the young, with their quintessential youth and beauty, going outside to rejoice in the early March and soon-to-be spring, all to impress Baba Marta. The old, however, are to stay inside, because oddly enough, Baba Marta is said to especially disliked old women—like herself.
On March first, friends and family (or even occasionally random people you meet on the subway) will tie martenitsi on each other’s wrists (or occasionally pin or accoutre them to clothing), in commemoration of the importance of the day. Martenitsi are small bracelets of intertwined red and white strings, and occasionally two figures: Pizho, a small male doll usually made of white thread, and Penda, a female doll made of red and is distinguished by her skirt, though the two are much less common and often appear only on the more expensive martenitsi.

The colors on martenitsi also play a symbolic role in the holiday. The white strands represent purity, beauty, joy, and innocence, while the red are attributed to life, vitality, health, and bravery. Together, they represent strength and renewal in the beginning of a new, fresh season.

Traditionally, martenitsi are to either be hung on trees – or placed under rocks, whenever their bearer spots a budding or blossoming tree or storks flying in the sky.