Mărțișor (Romanian pronunciation: [mərtsiʃor]) is a traditional celebration of the beginning of spring, on March 1st. The name Mărțișor is the diminutive of marț, the old folk name for March[3] (Martie, in modern Romanian), and thus literally means "little March". The tradition of Mărţişor is very old, going back more than 8 000 years ago, according to archaeological research.[7] Some of ethnologists consider Mărţişor to have a Roman origin, while others believe it to have a Daco-Thracian origin.
In ancient Rome, New Year's Eve was celebrated on March 1st - 'Martius', as the month was called in the honour of the god Mars. Mars was not only the god of war but also an agricultural guardian, who ensured nature's rebirth. Therefore, the red and white colours of Mărţişor may be explained as colours of war and peace.
The Thracians also used to celebrate the New Year's Eve on the first day of March, a month which took the name of the god Marsyas Silen, the inventor of the pipe (fluier, traditional musical instrument), whose cult was related to the land and vegetation. Thracian spring celebrations, connected to fertility and the rebirth of nature, were consecrated to him.
In some areas, Daco-Romanians still celebrate the agrarian New Year in spring, where the first days of March are considered days of a new beginning. Before March 1st, women used to choose one day from the first nine of the month, and judging by the weather on the chosen day, they would know how the new year will go for them. Similarly, in other areas, young men find out what their wives are going to be like. The first days of March are called Baba Dochia's Days, Baba Dochia being an image of the Great Earth Goddess. It is also the folk name for this month. In modern times, and especially in urban areas, the Mărțișor lost most of its talisman properties and became more of a symbol of friendship or love, appreciation and respect.
It's a very dear tradition to me as it is a way to celebrate beloved women or girls in my life. I love that you can offer them "Martisoare", beautifully crafted talismans or jewlery that are tied with red and white thread and tassels, as token of your love and appreciation for them. You can make hand-crafted ones too (which I think are even more beautiful as you trully put a part of yourself in them.) A dear friend and her sweet children made such beautiful martisoare for me and Ella. Thank you, Livia! You are wonderful!!! I will follow your example and start our own Martisor-making tradition to share with dear family and friends next year. Until then, here is a digital martisor I "computer-crafted" :-)
This morning we woke up to Hrishi's compliment that we are his "martisoare"! We love you, daddy!
Adorable Martisor and girls. You look fantastic! Miss you! La multi ani de 1 martie.
ReplyDeleteLa multi ani de 1 martie si tie si Ellei! And I agree with Madi: you do look fantastic!!!
ReplyDelete