TRM - March 1 - the feast of Martisor

News

photo source:

Posted by: trm.md

News / Moldova 1 Promo

01 Mar. 2021 / 08:00

March 1 - the feast of Martisor

March 1st brings with it a beautiful spring custom called Martisor. It is physically represented by a small object tied with two braided threads, knotted, white and red, which signifies the struggle of life over death, of health against disease. Martisor is also considered a symbol of love, purity and beauty.

It is customary for men to offer the ladies and gentlemen of their lives martisors, as a sign of respect and admiration. The purpose of holding the martisor to the chest is to be lucky during the year, to be as healthy and clean as silver with the arrival of spring.

This jewel is recognized worldwide and included in the UNESCO heritage. The decision was made by the Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The file was submitted by Romania together with three other countries - Bulgaria, Macedonia and the Republic of Moldova - in which this beautiful tradition of spring exists with some differences in form, but in the same spirit of celebrating the rebirth of nature.

At the beginning of April, in a large part of the villages of Moldova, but also of Romania, the trees are decorated with martisors. In Transylvania, martisors hang on doors, windows, on the horns of domestic animals, as it is believed that this will scare away evil spirits.

Similar customs are found in Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia.

Being a tradition respected for generations, Martisor is the origin of a wonderful holiday that begins every spring in Moldova - the International Music Festival "Martisor", dating from 1967, being organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research.

At the beginning of spring, in Chisinau and throughout the country, there are events attended by performers and artistic groups from the Republic of Moldova and abroad.

Show Comments