Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Happy Spring!

Today, March 1, marks the beginning of the celebration of Spring in Romania.  It is called Mărțișor.  The name is the diminutive of marț, the old folk name for March (Martie, in modern Romanian), and literally means "little" or "dear March".

Mărțișor and marţ are  names for the red and white string, from which usually hangs a small decoration, and it is given to others on the 1st day of March.  Giving this decoration is an old custom, and it is believed that the one who wears the red and white string will be powerful and healthy for the year to come. It is also a symbol of the coming spring. Usually, men give this to women who wear it pinned to their blouses for the first 12 days March.   In modern times, the Mărțișor has become more of a symbol of friendship and love, appreciation and respect.  (information & picture from Wikipedia)

Personal note:  We may be celebrating spring but the temps are well below freezing with snow on the ground and more falling today.  I, Tammy, went to an outdoor Martisor market yesterday at the Peasant's Museum.  I was amazed at all the beautiful ribbons and decorations made by craftsmen from around the country.

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