Bulgaria has so many fascinating traditions, and I am excited to share a special one with you because it just happened this week! I was lucky enough to receive a bunch of different bracelets from my students of all ages. Let us dive in and learn together what these bracelets mean and why they are so important!
The tradition I learned about this week is Baba Marta, a fun celebration that happens every year on March 1st in Bulgaria! You can find similar traditions in nearby countries like Turkey, Greece, Romania and Serbia. This holiday is all about saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring! People celebrate by wearing martenitsi (red and white bracelets or pins) which are said to bring good health and protect against all kinds of bad luck. The tradition is named after Baba Marta (Grandmother March), a magical figure who is thought to bring warmer weather. On this day, friends and family exchange martenitsi to wish each other a great year ahead. It is a fun and special tradition that helps people feel connected to nature and each other as they celebrate the change of seasons!
This tradition reminds me of a holiday in the USA—Groundhog Day! Groundhog Day is celebrated to also mark the change from winter to spring.
