Happy Baba Marta!

In Bulgaria, we have this beautiful, long-lasting tradition of wearing Martenici (мартеници) is a small piece of adornment, made of white and red yarn and usually in the form of two dolls, a white male and a red female, it can take the shape of a bracelet as well.

Martenitsi are worn from Baba Marta Day (March 1) until the wearer first sees a stork, swallow or blossoming tree. (or until the end of March (April 1)). The name of the holiday means "Grandma March" in Bulgarian (баба Марта).

A typical Martenitsa consists of two small wool dolls, Pizho and Penda ( ин Bulgarian: Пижо и Пенда). Pizho, the male doll, is usually predominantly white; Penda, the female doll, is distinguished by her skirt and is usually predominantly red. The red color symbolizes the blood, the sun, the warmth and the white color symbolizes the spirit, the purity, the light. When they are combined, they represent the longevity and health, which we wish for the person to whom we give the martenica. The legend related to this event was included in the book "Bulgarian Tales", which I published on 03rd of March 2021 and can be purchased on Amazon as ebook or printed book.

https://www.amazon.com/Bulgarian-tales-Bilingual-Ogi-Karam-ebook/dp/B08XZR7XR5