In Romania, Bulgaria, and other parts of the Balkan region, the arrival of spring is symbolized by a red thread intertwined with a white one. This is worn on the chest as a brooch or around the wrist as a bracelet until the first migratory birds appear, at which point it is tied to a fruit tree to ensure abundant harvest.

Like many other traditions that have been commercialized over time, Mărțișor (in Romania) has gradually lost much of its symbolic meaning. Nowadays, people give all sorts of gifts at the beginning of March, often forgetting the simple red-and-white thread.

Few people know that the tradition of Mărțișor is thousands of years old and was originally considered a magical talisman. Unique within the European cultural space, this tradition predates Christianity by far.

Although it carries Roman influences, the origins of Mărțișor are Dacian-Thracian. Both the Romans and the Geto-Dacians marked the beginning of the new year on March 1st. The name of the month, popularly known as Mărțișor or Mart, originates from the god Mars, who was not only the god of war but also of fertility and vegetation. Thus, the month of March, and particularly the celebration of Mărțișor, became deeply associated with the rebirth of nature.

The form of Mărțișor has evolved over time. Initially, it was represented by a gold or silver coin attached to a red-and-white or red-and-black woven thread. Later, small river stones painted in red and white and strung on a thread emerged as an alternative.

The Dacians wore Mărțișor around their necks, made from small white and red stones. The red symbolized blood, the sun, and life—representing the feminine principle—while the white symbolized the clarity of water and the wisdom of men. The intertwined threads of the two colors represented harmony between them.

During the Dacian era, Mărțișor was considered an amulet with solar protective powers, believed to bring beauty and fertility. It was worn until the trees bloomed and then tied to their branches. Originally, Mărțișor was worn by those considered vulnerable—children and young girls—to attract good luck and happiness.

Interestingly, the oldest known Mărțișor in Romania dates back to 1879 and is in the shape of a silver heart. Another, created in 1898, is shaped like a swallow in flight. Both are currently in the possession of a collector in Bucharest.

In 2017, the tradition of Mărțișor was included in UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, following a joint initiative by Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, and Moldova.

Image credits: iStock