Hello March!
Probably, soon you will see the first blossom on a tree and maybe you will also spot a red and white bracelet hanging on it. It's called "martinka" and it is one of the cutest traditions we have.
In the past, the first day of March was celebrated by the Macedonians as a holiday of spring, love, flowers and beauty. In honor of March 1st, girls and women knitted red-white bracelets from threads.
Traditional "martinki" that are made on this day symbolize spring and good health. "Martinka" is a traditional white and red thread ornament, which is knitted in the form of a bracelet on the first day of March. The red color of the martyr means life, and white purity and health. The thread makes a variety of figures in these two colors, the most famous of which is the figure of a boy and a girl.
The "martinka" is given in honor of grandmother Marta (Mart is the name of the month March) and is worn on the left hand or attached to the clothes. It is said that the gift is a sign of warm friendship and happiness. So if somebody gives you a "martinka" it is a gesture of love and friendship.
This tradition is particularly nurtured in neighboring Bulgaria, also.
The "martinka" can also be removed at the first glance by the stork, swallow, or tree that has blossomed.
More recently, this custom has been rarely nurtured by newer generations.
Enjoy the spring coming!
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian