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“Martaki”: what it symbolizes and why we wear it!

Paintmyday.art by Niki Koutza / Art  / “Martaki”: what it symbolizes and why we wear it!

“Martaki”: what it symbolizes and why we wear it!

 

 

Have you ever wondered what Martaki symbolizes, this white-red bracelet we wear for the whole of March? Here at Paint My Day I did my research and here is what I discovered!

First of all, “Martis”  is the custom in which a bracelet made of red and white rope or threads that have been twisted or knitted, is worn on March 1st! It is even believed to have its roots in Ancient Greece, and specifically in the Eleusinian Mysteries.

This custom is found in Greece, but also in most of the Balkan countries with different names, in Bulgaria (Martenitsa), Romania (Martisor), Northern Macedonia (Martinka), Albania (Verore), Moldova (Martisor) but also in Cyprus (March or March).

According to the custom, on the 1st of March, mothers wear on the wrist of their children a bracelet, made of twisted white and red thread, in Martis or Martia. Martis protects the faces of children from the first sun of Spring, which is particularly harmful, according to popular belief. Martis is also believed to protect against mosquitoes and fleas and even ward off disease and other pests.

The custom is completed at the end of the month, when they take it out and leave it on the roses when they see the first swallow, so that the birds can take it and build their nest. In some areas they wear it until the Resurrection, when they tie it to the Easter candles to burn with them.

So do not forget, in a few days,  wear your Martaki too. And if you do not have time to make, at Paint My Day I have prepared many special Martakia for you to choose from!

Good month to all!

 

ΝΙΚΗ ΚΟΥΤΖΑ

n.koutza@gmail.com