Being a purely pagan ritual by origin, Baba Marta Day is one of the oldest continuing traditions in Christian Europe. In March these amulets, worn around one's wrists and on their attire, can be seen almost everywhere in Bulgaria and in the neighboring regions. Another popular explanation is that white stands for wisdom and red for good health, which means that anyone giving you a Martenitsa is wishing you both throughout the new year. Combined they mean "newborn", "rebirth", and "a new beginning" a celebration of life and survival. An obvious explanation, and perhaps a common belief people share, is that "red" stands for "life/birth" and "white" denotes "anew/on clear grounds". There are various theories, suggestions, and even several legends involving real historical figures about the symbolism of the red and white colors from which Martenitsa are made. The greeting exchanged on this day is Chestita Baba Marta ( Bulgarian: Честита Баба Марта, "Happy Baba Marta"), often shortened to ЧБМ on greeting cards. There is a great amount of folklore about Grandma Marta Day and the character of Baba Marta herself. Older Bulgarians call it Birch Month as it is around the time that birch trees start growing leaves and giving sap. It is common in the spring to see trees festooned in Martenitsas. Once the stork or a swallow appears the Martenitsa is taken off and hung on a blooming tree. They are worn until a stork or a swallow is seen, symbolizing the coming of spring, warmer weather, and well-being. Martenitsas, usually in the form of a wrist band, small yarn dolls, or tassels, are created by combining red and white colored threads and are worn on that day and throughout March. Grandma Marta Day (or simply Baba Marta, Bulgarian: Баба Марта, "Grandma Marta") is a holiday celebrated in Bulgaria, on March 1.
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