With the Republican People's Party (CHP) leader and Presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu wearing a Marteniçka bracelet, citizens are researching what a marteniçka is and the meaning of the marteniçka bracelet. An old Balkan tradition, marteniçka bracelets are worn at the beginning of March. It is believed that this tradition, made of red and white threads, makes wishes such as health, luck, abundance and fertility come true. Today, martenichkas are still worn in many Balkan countries. So, what is Martenichka? The meaning of the Martenichka bracelet. When and what month of the month should Martenichka be removed? What is the Martenichka story?
What is Martenichka?
Martenitsa or Martenichka is an ornament made of white and red wool, worn from March 1 until the end of March. With the arrival of spring, traditional Baba Marta (Nine Marta) days begin. Baba Marta, dating back to ancient times, is a tradition unique to Bulgaria. On this day, Bulgarians present symbols called “martenitsa” to their relatives and friends, wishing them health and strength throughout the year. According to custom, martenitsas are carried until they see a swallow or stork.
This holiday is called “Çestita Baba Marta!” in Bulgarian. is celebrated. Father Marta – Nine Marta is one of the most revered traditions preserved to this day. These jewelry are also attached to fruit trees, houses and pets. In this way, wishes are made for the new agricultural year to be fruitful and productive.
The first martenitsas were made of only red and white threads, without using other jewelry and details, and were worn on people and animals to ward off the evil eye. In some regions, gold or silver coins were tied to this twisted red-white string, which was used as a symbol for protection from diseases.
The beauty and aesthetic sense of the people, which is an authentic art, also manifests itself in martenitsas in later periods. Martenitsas, which were previously made of red and white wool, are given different shapes such as tassels, balls, and people. The shapes that have the most important place in the history of the Martenitsas are; They are puppets made of red and white string, known as "Pijo and Penda".
The white color used in Martenitsa represents longevity, and the red color represents health and strength.