Честита Баба Марта (Happy Baba Marta)!
Today is another one of those days where I really wish I were in Bulgaria.
Why?
Because it’s Grandma March Day (Baba Marta)!
The holiday, celebrated on March 1st, is usually marked by the gifting and wearing of Martenitsa.
- Martenitsa are always red and white
For some reason I really dig this holiday. Maybe it’s the crafter in me. A few weeks ago I bought some red and white yarn to make some Martenitsa. I especially wanted to make these:
The little dolls are known as Pizho (male) and Penda (female).
I’ll have to post some pics of my epic failure in making them. I did crochet some regular bracelets, however. I don’t really know what the rules are for making Martenitsa for yourself. From what I read you should never buy them for yourself but I can’t find anything about making them.
Martenitsa are typically worn until the end of March or until the wearer sees a stork or a budding tree. Then, you take off the Martenitsa and tie it to a tree. Vince says some people also put them under rocks.
What a colorful holiday!
I can’t wait to be in Bulgaria next year celebrating my first Baba Marta!
W.
**UPDATE!! I AM NOW IN BULGARIA CELEBRATING MY 1st BABA MARTA! CHECK OUT MY NEW POST: BABA MARTA 2012!**
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