Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

Who pissed off Baba Marta!?

In Bulgaria the first of March is revered as a special day and occasion. It is a day that symbolizes the start of spring. The world that has been covered in snow for four odd months begins anew. This day is referred to as Baba Marta. Baba Marta literally translates into Grandmother March. Now, Baba Marta could be argued to be the Bulgarian personification of Mother Nature, but only for this single day. The day itself becomes a celebration, especially in the village where people depend on self-sufficient life and crops. An early spring would mean earlier planting and a more bountiful summer. The day is marked by buying little intertwined red and white string, often decorated with evil eyes and other bits and bobs. The tradition goes that you tie this string around yourself and wear it until you see a stork.