Baba Marta 2023: Date, History, Facts about Martenitsa

On March 1, Bulgarians around the world celebrate the centuries-old legend of Baba Marta. On this day, it is customary to exchange something known as a martenitsa. This consists of interwoven red and white strings and is given to friends and family as a symbol of health, happiness, and appreciation.

The background of Baba Marta

Baba Marta or Granda March is a legend from Bulgaria. Her story revolves around a grudge she held against her January and February-born siblings. There are numerous variations of this story, depending on which version is told to children as they grow up. Additionally, it is believed that the Sun would only shine if she smiled. In one version of the story, Baba Marta cleans in preparation for spring. She shakes the sheets and mattress one last time before the next winter, causing the filling to fall to the ground like snow, signifying the end of the year’s snowfall. Baba Marta appears in German folklore, for instance in the tale ‘Frau Holle.’

Red and white threads are interwoven to create martenitsa, which is typically fashioned into wristbands, tassels, or yarn dolls. These garments are worn on the holiday and throughout the month of March. Nearly everyone in Bulgaria and the surrounding regions wears martenitsa. Tradition dictates that these wristlets must be worn until a swallow or stork is spotted. The Martenitsa are then taken down and hung on trees to signify the arrival of spring. Throughout the remainder of the season, trees will be adorned with these symbolic ornaments.

The celebration has pagan roots and is one of the oldest customs still observed in Christian Europe.

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BABA MARTA ACTIVITIES

Clean your dwelling

It is customary to clean the house prior to the arrival of Baba Marta and spring. What are you expecting? Get to work!

Gift a Martenitsa

Purchase one or make one yourself. You can then give it as a symbol of good fortune for the upcoming season to someone special.

Serve a feast

Host a feast for friends and family to commemorate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Include dishes like mishmash, kavarma, and drusan kebab.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MARTENITSA

Typically, martenitsa are pinned to clothing or tied around the wrist.

As a sign of health and prosperity, martenitsa are hung on trees following the arrival of spring.

On the eve of the holiday, it’s customary to weave martenitsa.

The red and white intertwined threads represent a male and female, as well as their offspring.

The colour white represents snow melting, whereas the colour red represents the Sun setting.

BABA MARTA DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 1	Wednesday
2024	March 1	Friday
2025	March 1	Saturday
2026	March 1	Sunday
2027	March 1	Monday