Celebrating cultures – Baba Marta: A Bulgarian Tradition of Spring and Renewal

by Alexander Chilikov

Every year on March 1st, Bulgarians eagerly welcome Baba Marta (Grandmother March), a delightful old lady who sweeps in with the promise of spring. This holiday is a kaleidoscope of folklore, joy, and the exchange of Martenitsi — whimsical red and white trinkets that are meant to represent health, happiness, and fresh beginnings.

The Legend of Baba Marta

In Bulgarian folklore, Baba Marta is an unpredictable character. Picture a feisty grandmother with a weather-controlling wand, her moods are said to rule the winds and skies of March. To charm her, Bulgarians celebrate this day with tokens of goodwill, hoping to convince her into bringing an early spring.

Martenitsi 

The heart of Baba Marta’s celebration lies in the Martenitsi (singular: Martenitsa), delightful little ornaments crafted from red and white threads. Each colour with its own meaning: red, the spark of life and vitality; white, the glow of purity and long-lasting joy. These charming tokens are worn as bracelets or pinned as brooches.  

As they exchange Martenitsi, friends and family cheerfully exclaim “Chestita Baba Marta!” (“Happy Baba Marta!”). These tokens are worn until the first signs of spring — a blooming tree, a flying stork, or a chirping swallow. Then they are tied to blossoming branches or nestled under rocks, symbolising the blossoming of a new season. 

A Celebration of Togetherness 

Baba Marta’s magic isn’t just in her weather-making antics; it’s in the way she brings people together. As Bulgarians share Martenitsi, they also share smiles, stories, and the infectious joy of spring’s approach. Markets burst with Martenitsi of every kind, from simple thread twists to sparkling masterpieces. Schools and community centres buzz with creativity as children craft their own magical tokens, ensuring that the spirit of Baba Marta lives on. 

Across the globe, Bulgarians in distant lands keep the magic alive, sending Martenitsi to loved ones and sharing this whimsical tradition with new friends. Through these gestures, Baba Marta’s charm stretches far and wide, connecting hearts and heralding the springtime spirit.