Today I'll be talking about:
Mărțișor
Mărțișor is a Romanian and Moldovan celebration at the very beginning of the spring season, on 1 March (that means today!).
Mărțișor, marț, mărțiguș are all names for the red and white string with a hanging tasell Romanians give to each other in this day.
Giving this talisman is a way to wish your loved ones health, happiness and prosperity in the year to come. It's also a symbol of the coming spring. Traditionally, people wear them pinned to their clothes, on the chest, until the last day of March. After that, it is tied to a tree's branch (mostly in rural areas).
History
The origins of the Mărțișor are not exactly known, but there are similarities that can be traced between different celebrations.
Bulgarians have the Martenița, so the Daco-Thracian substrate may be responsible.
However, in ancient Rome, New Year's Eve was celebrated at the beginning of March, which is Mars' month, the god of war, fertility and vegetation. The white represents peace and red, war -> could be a possibility.
At Schela Cladovei, Romania, archeological discoveries revealed collars with stones painted in red and white, dating from 8000 years ago.
Rituals
There are many different rituals, each region of Romania having a unique one. Some examples include:
In Transilvania, the Mărțișor is hung on doors, windows, even animals' horns to ward off evil spirits.
In Bihor, if people wash their face with rainwater on 1 March, it is believed they would become more beautiful and healthy.
In Banat, girls wash themselves with snow as to be loved forever.
In Moldova, Maramureș, Bucovina, Bistrița-Năsăud and also Banat girls give handmade talismans to boys.
Also, in Moldova, Maramureș, Bucovina and Bistrița-Năsăud boys give girls an Mărțișor or a small gift on the 8th of March, when it is Womens' Day.
In Dobrogea, when the cranes arrive, the talismans are thrown into the air for luck and happiness.
^ A crane
Well, I haven't seen these traditions with boys and girls, everyone gives a gift/Mărțișor to everyone, it's just to show gratitude and kindness. It's nice to see that it's a pretty serious custom, especially children bring Mărțișoare and flowers (Snowdrops are also a symbol of the beginning of spring) to all their school colleagues. Unfortunately, due to Covid, not too many people gave Mărțișoare this year.
Image sources:
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