Winter holidays and traditions in my country eBook "Spring in my Country" | Page 10

The 1st of March- Martisor day
According to our old moldovan tradition,
"Mărțișor" is celebrated in my country in
the beginning of spring, on the 1st of
March. "Mărțișor,   m arț and mărțiguș" are
all romanian names for the red and white
string with hanging tassel that are
customarily given on the 1st day of March.
Offering this talisman to people is an old
custom to welcome Spring time. Moreovet,
it is believed that the wearer will be strong
and healthy in the next year. It is also a
symbol of foretelling the coming of spring.
Usually, both women and men wear it
pinned to their clothes, close to their
hearts, until the last day of March. After
that,   t hey tie it to a fruit-tree twig. My
grany said that thefruit trees wouls d bare
rich fruits the following year. In modern
times, and especially in urban areas, the
"Mărțișor" lost most of its talisman
properties and became more a symbol of
friendship, love, appreciation and respect.
I enjoy the "Mărțișor" day becouse
everibody is in a good mood and happy in
this day!
Irina Tabac, College of Ecology