Mărțișor

The Märzchen ( Bulgarian Мартеница / Marteniza, rum. Martisor, Greek Μάρτης / Martis ) is a typical gift for March 1. It consists of a red and white string, usually with a small pendant, and is often attached to a blouse or other garment. It is worn by women and children from 1 March to one to two weeks. The Märzchen symbolizes the spring and will, often with a Snowdrop, away from relatives or good friends.

In Romania, it is believed that this tradition from pre-Christian times, by the Thracians, the original inhabitants of Romania comes from. The origins of Märzchen are not precisely known. It is thought that it as the first day of the new year (March 1 ) was celebrated at the time of the Roman Empire and was considered the beginning of spring. In the beginning were from sheep's wool two threads, red and white, spun and given by the women to the men who they tied around the wrist. The two colors symbolize the snow and the sun. Under the snow lie dormant germinating seeds of crops that are fetched from the sun to light. During this time the first field work began.

The custom has then developed in another direction: Today, women get the Märzchen given and on the yarn lucky charms are attached, a four leaf clover, a horseshoe, a chimney sweep, a key or a lock, etc. It carries the Märzchen until you a flowering tree looks, then you throw it in the tree and make a wish.

This tradition dates back to Romania and Moldova, where the name denotes martisor ( Diminutive for March ) at the same time March 1 as the beginning of spring.

A similar tradition, there are as of March 1 in Bulgaria and Greece. There it is called Marteniza or Martis.