Easy MARTENITSA
Тhese are very easy martenitsas that you can give away to the whole group at preschool or to all of your colleagues at the office… I myself always make such martenitsas when I’m not having anyone in particular in mind.
I used 3 different types of string – thick yarn, thinner yarn and a suede string (they are about 45-50 cm long) – whatever I found in my yarn box. A blue bead to bring luck, a few knots and the martenitsa is ready. When you are adding the bead, only thread it through one piece of string. This will alow you to fix its place by tying knots on both parts of the bead.
Trim the ends with scissors.
What is ‘martenitsa’?
In Bulgarian folklore the month of March is often portrayed as a plump, cheerful old lady, “baba Marta”. The 1st day of her reign is celebrated with red and white ornaments in various designs – as bracelets, brooches, pom-poms…
The origins of this ritual are lost in time, but the meaning is clear – they are luck charms you give away to wish good health (and good looks, too!) Friends, family, even pets and domestic animals get one.They are also a countdown to spring – you wear them every day until you see the first stork, or swallow, or blossoming tree. Then you take themartenitsa off and tie it to a branch.
See more Baba Marta ideas: