Bulgarians Celebrate Old Spring Tradition of Baba Martha

On March 1 the Bulgarians celebrate a centennial tradition, most probably of pagan origin, called Baba Martha or Granny Martha and connected with the onset of spring. On March 1, people give each other a white and red amulet called martenitsa for good health and strength in the year. The martenista is also tied on farm animals and trees. It is made from twisted red and white thread on March 1 only, when the new farming year starts for the Bulgarians. The amulet is borne until March 9, The Holy Forty Martyrs holiday, or until March 25, Annunciation, or until one sees the first stork or swallow. The martenitsa is then tied to a blooming fruit tree.