Baba Marta

Baba Marta or Granny March Day is celebrated on March 1.  It is yet another ritual that marks the end of winter and beginning of spring.  Here in Bulgaria, martinitsi, or red and white yarns are exchanged.  There are hundreds of sellers in public places and one can buy from very simple to very elaborate martinitsi to exchange with friends.  Some of Carol's students gave her some and even a shop keeper of a store we frequent gave us one. One legend says that you wear the martinitsi until you see a tree in bloom - another says is must be a fruit tree in bloom - and another says you wear it until you see a stork.  The display in the town plaza was in honor of this tradition.

Lots of fun and different rituals to learn about.  Having fun!