If you ever been in Bulgaria in March, you maybe have noticed that on the 1st of March, everywhere people sell and buy some red-white strings or ornaments. Have you ever wonder what it is? We call it Martenitsa. Baba Marta's Day (or Grandma Marta's Day) is one of the folk traditions in Bulgaria. We tie a martenitsa to our friends and acquaintances to wish them a lot of health, happiness and peaceful days.
But why exactly red and white? The tradition has started in the 7th-century Battle of Ongal between the Bulgar Khan Asparuhand the Byzantines, which resulted in a decisive Bulgar victory. After the battle, Khan Asparuch sent doves with white threads to announce the victory to his main camp. The threads turned bloody during the flight, thus creating the first Martenitsa. That's why giving a Martenitsa to our beloved ones as a present has always been related to positive feelings and vibes.
What do you think, would you wear gladly this ornament too? Do you fancy the idea?