From Bulgaria, With Luck

March offers an opportunity for a lucky year. All you need is a red string and a white string of wool to make a bracelet.

Photo provided by Slavina Stoyanova

What I just described is a simple model of a Martenichka. The Martenichka is the symbol of luck and it is probably the most positive tradition in Bulgaria. You don't have to be Bulgarian or follow a certain religion to wear it. All you need to do is to believe in its positive energy.

The origin of the Martenichka is lost somewhere in the 13th century of Bulgarian history. It may be ancient, but the positive feelings it brings keep the spirit of Martenichka alive.The major symbolic meaning of the Martenichka is to chase away the winter, something we all need in the Midwest. The other symbolic meaning is the luck that the Martenichka will bring you. If you wear a Martenichka, it will bring you a happy year!

Photo provided by Slavina Stoyanova

The colors of the Martenichka, red and white, symbolize purity and health. The most amazing part of the tradition is the opportunity to show your love and/or friendship to your close people. Traditionally, the parents and the grandparents tie Martenichkas to her children. Friends exchange Martenichkas and tie them around each other’s wrists.

Since I came to the U.S., I have introduced the Martenichka to my friends from all around the world. They all have worn one and each March, my friends ask for a new Martenchka.

Photo provided by Slavina Stoyanova

The simplest models of Martenichka are two strings, one white and one red tied and they are worn as a bracelet. Of course, nowadays the market is flooded with different types varying from a unique decoration for the home to bracelets with pictures of Britney Spears. My favorite model is the boy and the girl. The Boy is named Pijo and the girl, Penda. To some they are brother and sister, and to others they are married. The truth lies somewhere in the depths of the Bulgarian spirit.

Usually, you stop wearing Martenichka when you see the stork for the first time, then you take the Martenichka and put it under a stone. However, this is not reasonable, so the tradition was converted. Nowadays, you stop wearing Martenichka when you see the first blossom of a three and then you tie it around its branches.

I wish you a lucky and happy year!