Celebrate the First Day of Spring with Mărțișor – March 1
Mărțișor is a beloved Romanian tradition celebrated each year on March 1st to mark the arrival of spring. The word “mărțișor” is a diminutive of “martie,” meaning March in Romanian. This vibrant custom dates back to ancient Roman times and is observed not only in Romania, but also in Moldova, Bulgaria, and parts of Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The symbol of Mărțișor is a red and white string, often tied together and adorned with a small decorative trinket. The string itself is called a “mărțișor,” and the attached charm may take the form of a heart, flower, or tiny figurine. The red and white colors represent the transition from winter to spring, while the trinket is a token of good luck and health for the year ahead. Traditionally, people wear the mărțișor pinned to their clothing throughout March.
