Martenitsa story and bracelet making

As nature wakes up in March, the joy of spring also shows itself on the wrists. An old Balkan tradition, these bracelets made of red and white threads are worn to celebrate the arrival of spring. The origin, meaning and production of the Martenitsa tradition, which is still kept alive today in many regions, especially Thrace, are a matter of curiosity. Here is the meaning and story of the Martenitsa bracelets that started to be worn as of March 1st...

WHAT IS A MARTENICK?

Marteniçka, Martipi or Martenitsa is the name given to bracelets and ornaments worn on the wrists throughout the month of March, starting from March 1st in the Balkan and Thrace geography. Although known as an old Bulgarian tradition, Marteniçka is a spring ritual known throughout the Balkan geography and even celebrated every year in Turkey due to Balkan immigrants.

According to the natural calendar, it is known that storks set off for migration at the end of February. The storks' departure for migration is considered an indication of the arrival of spring. In March, these bracelets and ornaments made of red and white threads are tied to the wrists with wishes of goodness, health and abundance and remain on the wrists throughout March.

When the first stork of the year is seen in March, it is removed from the wrist and tied to a fruit-bearing tree. It is believed that if a stork is seen in March, the wishes made while wearing the martenitsa will come true.

WHAT IS THE MARTENICK STORY?

There are various legends about Martenitsa in Bulgarian folklore. One of them is Baba Marta. Bulgarians believe that the days of Baba Marta (Grandmother Marta) begin on March 1st.

Baba Marta - Grandma Marta is one of the most respected traditions that has been preserved to this day. These ornaments are also worn on fruit trees, houses and pets. In this way, wishes are made for the new agricultural year to be fruitful and productive.

The first martenitsas were made of red and white threads, without any other ornaments or details, and were worn by people and animals to protect them from the evil eye. In some regions, gold or silver coins were tied to this twisted red and white string, which was used as a symbol to protect against diseases.

The beauty and aesthetic sense of the people, which is an authentic art, also shows itself in martenitsas in later periods. Martenitsas, which were first made of red and white wool, were given different shapes such as tassels, balls, and people. The most important shapes in the history of martenitsas are the puppets made of red and white rope known as "Pijo and Penda".

The white color used in martenitsas represents long life, while the red color represents health and strength.

HOW TO MAKE MARTENICK?

According to tradition, martenitsa should not be bought, but either given as a gift or knitted. In the Balkans, everyone gives martenitsa as a gift on March 1st. Knitting a martenitsa is quite easy. A piece of red thread and a piece of white thread are enough to knit a martenitsa.