Which Countries Celebrate Barta Marta?
The tradition of exchanging amulets in white and red for health dates back thousands of years and is popular in several neighboring countries
All Bulgarians celebrate on March 1 a centuries-old tradition and exchange martenitsas on what is called the day of Baba Marta, which this year dawned with a shy sun, spelling relatively nice weather ahead.
Eagerly followed on March 1 every single year, the tradition of giving your friends red-and-white interwoven strings brings health and happiness during the year and is a reminder that spring is near.
Celebrated on March 1, Baba Marta (Grandma March) is believed to be a feisty lady who always seems to be grudging at her two brothers, while 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.
The martenitsa tradition is 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.
People are supposed to take off their martenitsas when they see the first signs that spring has already come - a blooming tree or a stork.
When the martenitsa is taken off some 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 guess what kind of a year this one would be.
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 usually compete who will 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.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Today marks the joyous celebration of Easter, one of the most significant holidays in the Orthodox Christian calendar.
As Bulgaria enters Holy Saturday, a day steeped in age-old customs and spiritual significance, families across the nation prepare for a solemn yet celebratory culmination of Holy Week
Today marks Good Friday in Bulgaria, a day of solemn reflection and reverence as Christians commemorate the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ
Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter and scenographer regarded as the founder of the Bulgarian Secession and a representative of Bulgarian modernism, combining symbolism
Maundy Thursday, observed on April 13 this year, marks a significant moment in Holy Week for Bulgarians, rich in traditions and spiritual meaning. It is the day before the Resurrection feast, where ancient customs intertwine with religious rituals
Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev ordered the cancellation of the Council of Ministers' decision to establish the private Mom and Me Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment in Sofia, the government press service said on Saturday.
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022