International Martisor occurs annually in Romania on March 1 at the beginning of spring. Martisor has become a symbol of appreciation, friendship, and love. Giving people the talisman known as “Mărţișor” or “Marţ,” a red-and-white mascot with a dangling tassel, is an ancient practise. It is believed that the wearer will have a robust and healthy year ahead. Men and women wear it pinned to their chests until the last day of March, when they tie it to a branch of a fruit tree.
The background of International Martisor
Some ethnologists believe that the word “Mărțișor” has a Roman origin, while others believe that it has a Daco-Thracian origin. In Ancient Rome, New Year’s Eve was celebrated on March 1 as Martius. The month was named in honour of Mars, the god of war and agriculture who was responsible for the rebirth of nature. Red and white, the colours used for Mărțișor, may be considered war and peace colours.
The Thracians also observed New Year’s Eve on March 1. They named the month after Marsyas Silen, the god who invented the ‘fluier,’ a traditional musical instrument similar to the pipe. Thracian spring festivals were associated with fertility and the rebirth of nature. In some parts of the world, Daco-Romanians still celebrate the agrarian New Year in the spring. In these regions, the first few days of March represent a new beginning.
According to ancient Roman tradition, March was the optimal time to launch military campaigns. The red string of Mărțișor symbolises vitality in this context. The white string represents triumph. The colour red is associated with fire, blood, and the symbol of life, as well as the ardour of women. Also present in traditional Daco-Romanian folklore are the complementary colours red and white.
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ACTIVITIES INTERNATIONAL MARTISORS
Find out about Romania
You can learn more about the nation by conducting research. You will learn more about the country’s people and culture.
Visit Romania
You can travel to the country to experience its culture firsthand. In Romania, there are numerous activities that you would enjoy.
Share the celebration
You can celebrate the holiday with individuals you know. You can share this online or in person.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MARTISOR
Since the Romans observed Martisor at the beginning of Spring, its origins lie in agricultural practises.
The Romans worshipped the god Mars, who was responsible for protecting the fields and flocks.
The combination of the two-colored strings of Martisor represents harmony.
In Bulgaria, the holiday is known as “Martenita,” and even animals receive “martisoare.”
According to one of the Martisor legends, a dragon kidnapped the sun for three seasons until a courageous man confronted the dragon in the winter.
INTERNATIONAL MARTISOR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |