LARGE paper ball for DECORATION

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.

LARGE paper ball for DECORATION

You can make these big decoration martenitsas in three different sizes. We made the medium-sized ones and got beautiful ornaments with a diameter of about 20 cm.

LARGE paper ball for DECORATION

You will need 12 parts to make each ball. It’s best if you use cardboard, but printer paper will do, too. Cut out the parts and fold them as shown. You won’t need any glue.

LARGE paper ball for DECORATION

LARGE paper ball for DECORATION

Start assembling the parts together to  make the shape. Take one element and attach 5 more – that makes one half of your ball…

Different-sized printable templates:

хартиена топка шаблон хартиена топка шаблон

хартиена топка шаблон

bulgarian-martenitsa