Bg martenitsa - an ancient tradition

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MartenitsaMany Bulgarian

customs and traditions go back to pagan times whilst others have their

roots in Christianity. The most important

custom for all Bulgarian people in

March is 'Baba Marta‘ or

Martenitsa.

We celebrate the Day of Martenitsa on the 1st of March.

Martenitsa is a little decoration which is made from wool or cotton tassels in two colours – red and white.

Everybody says: Честита баба Марта! which means Happy Grandma Marta!

"Baba" (баба) is the Bulgarian word for "grandmother" and Mart (март) is the Bulgarian word for the month of March.

Long time ago in Bulgaria, martenitsa was bound on

the hand only of the women and children. Nowadays

men also wear martenitsa.

In some cities in Bulgaria people

put martenitsa on their animals.

Sometimes martenitsa is thrown

in the water so the year goes luckily.

The colours of martenitsa have strict meaning: red – blood and life; white – purity and

happiness.

The tradition is the oldest woman

in the family to put martenitsa on the children’s

clothes for health and luck.

The tradition tells that when somebody gives you a martenitsa as a present, you

will be luckier and happier.

Because of this everybody gives martenitsa to their friends and relatives.

Martenitsa is a simbol of spring, health and life.

The traditional figures of martenitsa are called Pizho and Penda. Pizho

is the male, Penda is the female.

Martenitsa needs to be carried until the coming of the spring.

Usually people tie it on a blossoming tree making a wish.

The origin of martenitsa:A legend tells that when Khan Asparuh (Bulgarian khan )

defeated Byzantine soldiers, he wrote a letter about his victory. After that he tied it with a white rope to the leg of a bird. While flying, the bird was noticed by the Byzantine

soldiers. They shot at the bird and hurt it.

She was injured but arrived successfully in the Bulgarian camp. Some parts of the white rope were red from the blood.

That’s why martenitsa has two colours – white and red.

Types of Martenitsa:

And now let’s make Martenitsa with Pizho and Penda.

The presentation was made by:

ILIYANA PANAYOTOVA

"Vasil Levski” Secondary School -

Haskovo