Mar 1

Martenitza

Every year the people of modern Bulgaria present each other with martenitzas; two joined tassels of red and white woolen thread resembling a simple Christmas decoration symbolizing health and happiness. The custom originated with the ancient Thracians, and the first martenitzas had silver or gold coins attached to them. Today it is most widespread in Bulgaria, although the Martenitza is also celebrated in Romania, Albania, Greece, and Cyprus.

In some regions, the women dress completely in red on this day. In northeastern Bulgaria, the lady of the house tosses a red cloth over a fruit tree, or spreads a red woolen cloth on the fields for fertility. In farming communities, a red-and-white thread is tied to the cattle. Bulgaria is the only country where this particular fertility custom seems to have survived. In Greece the "March" is tied to the wrist or big toe of children to protect them from the March sun. They remove it when they see the first swallow or stork, signs of springtime.

St. David's Day

Patron saint of Wales. The leek , Wales' national symbol, is worn because of St. David. During a battle that St. David was participating in he told his troops to wear a leek so that they would avoid being confused with the enemy.