"Martenitsa" is a small piece of adornment, made of white and red yarn and worn from March 1 until around the end of March (or the first time an individual sees a stork, swallow, or budding tree). The name of the holiday is Baba Marta. "Baba" is the Bulgarian word for "grandmother" and Mart (март) is the Bulgarian word for the month of March. Baba Marta is a Bulgarian tradition related to welcoming the upcoming spring. The month of March, according to Bulgarian folklore, marks the beginning of springtime. Therefore, the first day of March is a traditional holiday associated with sending off winter and welcoming spring.
The "martenitsa" decoration marks the end of the winter and the beginning of spring. Especially here in Škofja Loka one can really see how nature changes and life emerges again. So it is a lot of fun for the children to celebrate this event. After the month of march is over we usually put the "martenitsa" on a tree, kind of symbolic donation to the nature for health, good luck and for to say "thank you".
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