Spring now is red and white

The first day of spring is associated with expectations, hope and positivity. However, there are people for whom the first of March is even more special day.

  Mărţişor is the traditional celebration of spring in Moldova and Romania, which is celebrated on March 1. On this day, they present posies made of red and white threads. This decoration is called "mărţişor." The Bulgarians also have a similar holiday and it is called "Baba Marta".

Mărţişors are worn on lapels for a month, and on March 31 they are removed and hung on blossoming fruit trees. It is believed that they bring luck throughout the year. According to the legend, if you make a wish when hanging a mărţişor on a tree, it will come true. 

Here, in Transcarpathian region, the Romanians for many years have been calebrating the Mărţişor with the festival of the same name. But in recent years, because of the cool and not always welcoming weather, they decided to hold the bright holiday after Easter. But this does not mean that young girls and guys do not give each other mărţişors and do not rejoice about spring! 

Today, Romanians around the world celebrate the festival of spring. It has become so popular that activists of social movements have proposed to have this tradition included in the UNESCO heritage.

For now, Transcarpathians should, at least, know that the numerous Romanian community of our land today celebrates a special holiday. And an encounter with a person, who has a red and white posy pinned on the clothes, is a good reason for a warm smile. Spring has come!