Martenitsi and Baba Marta Day (1st of March)

On 1st of March Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta ("Grandmother Marta") - a unique Bulgarian tradition. According to Bulgarian folklore and traditions March is the month when the spring begins and first day of the month is a traditional holiday associated with sending off winter and welcoming spring. On this day local people give each other a special amulet called Martenitsa (a small piece of adornment, made of white and red yarn) and wish to everybody "Chestita Baba Marta" for health and happiness. People wear martenitsi until end of the month (or if the person sees for the first time a stork, swallow or bloomed tree), and then it is attached to a tree as a decoration.