We know you have been thinking about this for a while already: spring is coming! As we wait for it, let’s talk about March Martisor or, how Romanians say hello to spring today.
March 1st marks the beginning of spring – according to the calendar, at least. Although the weather outside may not be “springy” at the end of February and beginning of March, those who are very strict place the start of spring “after the old style” on the date of the Spring Equinox, March 21st, the first day of the month of Mars has a psychological effect on people, already weary of the cold and gloom of winter.
Beyond the risk of spring asthenia and season colds, Romanians (and Bulgarians) celebrate the Martisor on the 1st of March, a celebration with archaic pagan origins. Today, the Martisor is a great pretext for people to exchange flowers of small symbols of love or friendships. It would appear that the Martisor can be attribute to the Tracians, since the same celebration appears in Bulgarian culture under the name of Martenita. Officially, the festivity apparently appeared in the 7th century, when the New Year was celebrated throughout the Roman Empire on the first day of spring.
Archeological diggings have revealed amulets (supposed to be martisor) dating back to 8000 years ago. The white and red cord of the amulets has its own legends. One of the myths talks about the battle between Winter and Spring. Legend has it that, on the first day of March, the beautiful Spring was strolling around the forest when she discovered a fragile snowdrop under the snow. Decided to help the flower live, she started to melt the snow around it, but the enraged Winter froze the snowdrop in a second. But as Spring covered the flower with her hands, she hurt her hand in a thorn bush. The drop of blood that dripped from her finger revived the snowdrop and conquered Winter. (Hence the colors Martisor, red and white).
We suggest welcoming spring with a trip with a rental car.