Our tradition
Every year, on the first of March, regardless of whether it is sunny, raining or snowing, Mărțișoare (plural) appear on the streets, in buses, in classrooms and in each corner of the Republic of Moldova. Mărțișoare are amulets obtained by weaving two white and red threads, of wool, cotton, or silk, that protect us from bad omens and announce the coming of spring. Mărțișoare are gifted to loved ones, pinned on clothes close to the heart, worn around the wrist, or around the neck, to bring good luck and safety.
The symbol
The symbol marks the transition from winter to summer and can be found in various forms throughout the geographical area between the Republic of Moldova and Northern Macedonia. One of the legends associated with Mărțișor tells us how on the first day of March, Spring was walking through the forest and saw a blooming snowdrop in the snow. Spring started uncovering the snowdrop. Winter got angry and sent a very cold wind that froze the snowdrop. Spring covered it with her hands to keep it warm and stung her finger in some thorns. A drop of blood ran over the snow, melted it, and the snowdrop revived. This is how Spring wins the battle with Winter every year, the victory is celebrated by weaving the two colors of white and red together.
The legend
The legend appeared in the 18th century, but the customs behind it are much older. The Mărțișor is believed to have existed for over two thousand years, and in 2017, following a joint effort from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Northern Macedonia, it was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
From ancient times, in the geographical area where the Republic of Moldova and Romania are now located, a ritual of purification has been taking place on the first day of March. The household is cleaned all over, through this process the Winter evil is banished, and Spring is invited with its goodness and warmth. The making of Mărțișoare during winter, pinning them close to the heart on the first day of March and wearing them for a month, represents a simplified ritual of the transition from winter to summer. Gifting Mărțișoare to those close to you emphasizes the spirit of a united, supportive community, which celebrates the coming of spring together.
Custom
The interweave of white and red threads provides protection especially for children or baby animals, which with the arrival of spring begin to communicate with the sun and get to know the nature around them. In cities we see Mărțișoare pinned on people's chests, while in villages we can also see animals wearing Mărțișoare around their necks, thus being protected from bad omens. The custom states that at the end of March, the Mărțișor must be tied to a fruit tree twig. In this way we charge it with our energy. The tree will bear big and sweet fruits thanks to the Mărțișor that we gifted. This completes the ritual of giving back to nature the warmth that we received from it.
Since 1968, in Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Culture organizes an international music festival - Mărțișor - which aims to promote this symbol of solidarity of the community and a mutually beneficial relationship with nature.
Our Mărțișor
The Mărțișor has survived for over two thousand years because it intertwines with nature, is magically wrapped, knows how to adapt, and takes on new meanings with each generation. In 2022, the Ministry of Culture together with the National Inbound Tourism Association of Moldova made a short video that conveys what weaving a white thread and red thread together means today. We invite you to get acquainted with the protagonists of the video and the significance of Mărțișor for them.