Despite the last-minute snows that covered the country Bulgarians anticipate the coming of Spring by following an ancient tradition - exchanging martenitsas on March 1.

The red-and-white interwoven strings are given to friends and the loved ones to bring them happiness and health, and as a reminder that Spring is near. The country celebrates the day of Baba Marta (Grandma March), a feisty lady who always seems to be grudging at her two brothers, and the sun only comes out when she smiles.

As folklore often goes there are different versions of the Baba Marta tale. One says that on that day she does her pre-spring cleaning and shakes her mattress for the last time before the next winter - all the feathers that come out of it pour on Earth like snow - the last snow of the year.
Thought to have been inspired by Bulgaria's first Khan Asparuh, who sent a white string to his wife to tell her he survived a battle, the martenitsa is taken off when the first signs of Spring - a stork or a blooming tree are noted. Some then tie it to a tree - one that they'd like to be especially fruitful. Others place it under a rock and based on what they find there the next morning tell the year.

The martenitsa now comes in all shapes and sizes - from Guiness-worth giant building packages to two tiny simple strings gently placed on a newborn's arm. Children now compete who'll get the most and often walk around more ornate than a Christmas tree. However it always bears the same meaning - a lucky charm against the evil spirits of the world, a token for health and a sign of appreciation.

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