What is Martisor?
In Romania, a “Mărțișor” (pronounced mar-tsee-shor) is a traditional symbol of the arrival of spring, celebrated on March 1st. The word “Mărțișor” is a diminutive of “Martie,” which means March in Romanian. This tradition is also observed in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria, and some other Balkan countries.
The Mărțișor is typically made of a red and white thread intertwined with a small charm or figurine attached to it. The red and white colors symbolize various elements, including the transition from winter to spring, the sun’s warmth, and life’s renewal. In some regions, it may also symbolize health and protection from evil spirits.
How do we celebrate it?
People in Romania exchange Mărțișoare as tokens of goodwill and friendship on March 1st. It’s common for individuals, particularly men, to offer Mărțișoare to women as a gesture of appreciation. These small tokens are often worn as brooches or tied to clothing throughout March.
At the end of the month, people may tie their Mărțișoare to a tree, usually a fruit tree, in the hope of bringing good luck and a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The last part doesn’t happen often in Romania, but is more particular for Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and goes under the name Martenitsa .
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