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Bulgaria celebrates Baba Marta Day and end of winter

On March 1 people in Bulgaria celebrate Baba Marta’s day, one of the most loved Bulgarian ancient traditions, through the symbolic exchange of martenitsas.

People consider that Baba Marta brings the end of cold winter and the beginning of spring. March is the month of the earth that will bring summer and fertility.

The symbol of Baba Marta holiday is the martenitsa, а tassel made of white and red thread. On March 1 people exchange martentisas and whish each other health and happiness saying Chestita Baba Marta.

The white colour of the tassel first symbolised male, the strength and the sun. Later the tradition was influenced by the Christian symbolism and white started representing virginity and purity.

Red is the symbol of the female and health. It is also the colour of blood and sybolises birth.

Martenitsas are to be worn until one sees the a stork, a swallow, a cuckoo or a tree in blossom. All these signify according to Bulgarian traditions that spring has arrived.

March 1 2007, Source: www.sofiaecho.com