Baba Marta is one of the most beloved traditions still preserved today. On this holiday, everyone gifts their loved ones a special charm called "martenitsa" for health and strength. The holiday symbolizes spring and carries wishes for health and fertility at the beginning of the new cycle in nature.

According to some sources, the pagan ritual of tying martenitsa threads dates back to the time of the Thracians, while others suggest that the tradition was brought by the Proto-Bulgarians. As evidence, the practice of using white and red threads as protective talismans for animals, children, and girls against evil and for health still exists in some regions of Central Asia.

According to one well-known legend, the sister of Khan Asparuh was the first to introduce the martenitsa. After he crossed the Danube River to the south and she heard no news from him for a long time, he sent her a swallow with twisted white and red threads tied to its leg to let her know that he was well and successful in his endeavors.

The most preferred martenitsa are the wristbands. In fact, that's how the tradition started - grandmothers used to tie wristbands on children. It is important for them to be made of natural materials and to always look for the twisted red and white thread, as it is believed that twisting increases the magical power of the two colors.

The crafting of martenitsa is not limited to a specific shape or image. The important thing is that they combine red and white colors. People create martenitsa in various forms and with different symbols - from traditional tassels and wristbands to animal figures, flowers, hearts, and even modern interpretations like kukeri, rabbits, birds, etc. Some even make abstract or unique shapes that are entirely creative. The main thing is that they bring joy and symbolize wishes for health and happiness at the beginning of spring.

Martenitsa are worn either until March 9th - the feast of the Forty Martyrs, or until March 25th - Annunciation. They can also be removed upon the first sighting of a stork, swallow, cuckoo, or blooming tree.