TRADITION OF THE MĂRȚIȘOR

March 1st brings with it a beautiful spring custom called “Mărțișor”.

“Mărțișor” is physically represented by a small object tied with two white and red braided threads. They symbolize the fights of life against death, health against disease, spring against winter. “Mărțișor” is also considered a talisman of luck, well-being and appreciation.

In Romania, it is customary for men to offer “mărțișoare” to the ladies in their lives, as a sign of respect and admiration. The purpose of wearing the “mărțișor” is to have good luck and health during the year (that is why “mărțișor” sometimes has the shape of a horseshoe, four leaves clover or chimney sweeper – these are all symbols of luck in Romania).

“Mărțișor” is also considered a symbol of spring, a symbol of nature’s return to life. “Mărțișor” are gifted on the first day of March, but they can be worn during the entire month, because they bring optimism and faith.

On the first day of spring, in some areas of the country there is the custom according to which the parents tie a silver or gold coin to their children’s necks or hands. This talisman is of course accompanied by two twisted threads, made of white and red silk. This way children will be protected during the year. Some children will wear this talisman around their necks for 12 days, then tie it to the branch of a young tree. If the tree is doing well (flowering, greening, fruiting) it is believed that the child will also do well in the future. Other children will wear the talisman until they see a flowering tree for the first time and only then leave it on the branches of the tree.

In the popular tradition it is said that the red and white “Mărțișor” thread has first been made by an old lady called Dochia while climbing with the sheep up in the mountains. Thus, symbolically, the thread of “Mărțișor” is the thread of the year, of every day over the year.

Nowadays, “Mărțișor” is received as a gift from a loved one and is worn all March. “Mărțișor” comes now in all shapes and colours, from handmade paper pieces to gold bracelets.