Nikolay
from Bulgaria presented the traditional custom in Bulgaria celebrating the
start of the spring and of new life. Martenitsa is a small piece of
adornment, made of white and red yarn and usually in the form of two dolls, a
white male and a red female. Martenitsi are worn from Baba Marta Day (March
1) until the wearer first sees a stork, swallow, or blossoming
tree (or until late March). The name of the holiday means "Grandma
March".
Martenitsa
consists of two small wool dolls, Pizho and Penda. Pizho, the male doll,
is usually predominantly white; Penda, the female doll, is distinguished by her
skirt and is usually predominantly red. The red and white woven threads
symbolize the wish for good health. They are the heralds of the coming of
spring and of new life.
Tradition
dictates that Martenitsi are always given as gifts, not bought for oneself.
They are given to loved ones, friends, and those people to whom one feels
close.
Photos: “L’OCCHIO DEL TESTIMONE – THE WITNESS’ EYE”
project team and C4 participants.
Source of the text: WikimediaFoundation. (2021, December 3). Martenitsa. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 1, 2022,from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martenitsa