Mărțișor in Romania ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Mărțișor in Romania and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Mărțișor in Romania and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Mărțișor is a Romanian festival celebrated on March 1st. The festival marks the beginning of spring, and is also known as the “day of the martenitsa”. Mărțișor is a small trinket, usually made of red and white thread, which is worn on the wrist or lapel. The name “Mărțișor” comes from the Romanian word for March, “Martie”.
The tradition of giving Mărțișor dates back to pagan times, when it was believed that the martenitsa had magical powers. It was thought that the martenitsa could protect people from evil spirits and bring them good luck. The tradition was later adopted by the Orthodox Church, and the Mărțișor became a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
Today, the Mărțișor is still a popular tradition in Romania. It is common for people to give Mărțișor to their friends and loved ones as a sign of affection. The Mărțișor is also a popular tourist souvenir.