HELLO.
Spring is coming and I have started preparing for the arrival of spring.
I live in the city of Tekirdag in Turkey. Since this place is close to Bulgaria, some traditions there are reflected in the people here.
Marteniçka is one of the symbols of Baba Marta tradition, which dates back to ancient times in Bulgaria, where the arrival of spring is celebrated.
The arrival of spring is celebrated in different ways in many parts of the world. Spring is the symbol of abundance and reawakening of nature for almost everyone.
The Balkan and Thrace peoples started to celebrate spring with a unique tradition from March 1.
So what is Marteniçka, who is Baba Marta, what do Pijo and Penda represent?
The spring ornament martenitsa (martenitsa) made of red and white wool is actually a Bulgarian tradition. These decorations that start on March 1 and color the cities, streets and clothes with red and white for a month; In the spring, he revealed a legend called Father Marta Day. It is believed that Baba Marta accepts good wishes for a fruitful agricultural year, which has just begun in March.
There are many different types of martenitsa. These are inspired by the dolls named "Pijo and Penda". These dolls are made with woolen yarn in red and white color. White represents longevity and red represents health and strength.
Although this tradition is thought to be specific to Bulgaria only, Thrace, Greece and some Balkan peoples also use it.
When March 1 arrives, they present their health wishes to relatives and friends by presenting Martenitics.
Preparing martenitsa is very simple. Red and white colored threads are braided in braids. If you want, you can twist the two ends of the threads like me by rotating them in opposite directions. These can be used as collar ornaments and bracelets.
The martenitsa you make are carried until the stork and anthill appear. If you see one of these, it means that your wish at the beginning of the month has been accepted. Then these martenitsa are attached to a tree in bloom.
Martensits must be handmade, you should never buy them. You can only gift it. It is tied to a tree branch that blooms in spring and if you wait long enough, the wish will surely come true. These charms can also be attached to fruit trees, homes. Thus, it is hoped that the new agricultural year will be productive and productive.
STORY OF MARTENITSA!
There are many rumors about the emergence of Marteniçkas who hang out to welcome spring on March 1. According to one of the rumors; the story goes back to Noah's Flood. The pigeon carries a piece of white thread in its mouth, informing that it has seen land. But he gets injured on the way and blood drips onto the rope.
The second story is also very similar. A swallow reports among the first Bulgarians. Informing that he has found fertile soil, the swallow is injured on the way. Blood drips onto the message. The person who opens the message finds this red-white object sacred and puts it on his arm. Then it becomes traditional, and others start to wear a similar object, the Martenschka.
The first martenitsta were made of red and white threads without any other jewelery and details and were worn on people and animals to protect them from the evil eye. In some regions, gold or silver coins were tied to this twisted red-white string, which was used as a symbol to protect against diseases.
The sense of beauty and aesthetics of the people, which is an authentic art, also shows itself in martenittas in later periods. Martenitsa, which was previously made of red and white wool, is given different shapes such as tassel, ball and human. details
The white color used in martenitsa represents longevity, and the red color represents health and strength.
HOW TO KNIT MARTENITSA?
You should adjust it according to the thickness of your wrist. Cut both the white and red thread so that it is slightly longer than your wrist. Then tie the white and red thread together. Hold the free end of the red thread with one hand with the center knot and stretch the thread. Hold the loose end of the white thread with your other hand and start turning the white thread clockwise. When you have trouble turning the rope, stop stretching and the red and white rope will become tangled. Finally, tie a knot on the other end. If you wish, you can decorate it with evil eye beads. Here your martenitsa is ready.
SO WHAT HAVE I DONE?
Materials needed
- White and Red color wool yarn
- Bead to decorate
Penda Story with Pijo
Pijo and Penda lived in the lands of our country for a long time. Pijo was a handsome, intelligent and humble young man known as hardworking and bland. He was the most handsome young man in the village. Pijo was hardworking and never stopped unemployed; He was constantly helping someone, walking around the village. That's why her cheeks were always red. Pijo fell in love with the beautiful Penda at first sight. Penda was the most beautiful girl in the region. Penda was honest, humble, very kind-hearted and honest. Her hair was black and she had a pure white skin that was not seen before. Pijo was enchanted by Penda's beauty and wanted to marry Penda. Penda also chose Pijo as his life partner. Thus, the two young people invited the people of several villages and held a legendary wedding; people were also fascinated by the love and affection of these double doves, and they made one red male and one white lady figures to immortalize this event. Today, Pijo and Penda watch us every year through martenittas and remind us that the feeling of love glorifies and immortalizes the human being.story
I made a bracelet with Evil Eye Bead for myself. I prepared the others to distribute to my friends.
Love.
Artwork By : @jesusmedit