Martenitsa Workshop After the Christmas workshop we did with the children in Doganovo, now it was time to get ready for one of our favorite Bulgarian traditions – Baba Marta (Grandma March). So, on Saturday, 15 February, we went to Doganovo to make lots of pretty martenitsas. These red and white thread adornments in the shape of a bracelet, doll or amulet that people in Bulgaria give to each other on the first day of March. More about the tradition On the first day of March and for a few days afterwards, Bulgarians exchange and wear these white and red adornments. The most traditional form is a set of small dolls called Pizho and Penda. In Bulgarian folklore, the name Baba Marta (Grandma March) refers to a grumpy old lady whose mood swings rapidly. It is a personification of the month of March. The common belief is that by wearing the red and white colors of the martenitsa people ask Baba Marta for mercy. They hope that it will make […]