Made by hand in our partner workshop in China  ·  Shipped worldwide  ·  Every symbol comes with its sources
Atlas  /  For a fresh start  /  MartenitsaNo. 09
Plate IEastern Europe & BalkansMartenitsa, drawn by Wishlore
Pl. IMartenitsa. Red and white tassels on a twisted thread. Drawing: Wishlore.
No. 09  ·  For a fresh start  ·  Eastern Europe & Balkans

The martenitsa

Red and white threads worn from 1 March until the first sign of spring.

Earliest record
Worn from 1 March, UNESCO 2017
Source
UNESCO, Cultural practices associated to the 1st of March
Region
Eastern Europe & Balkans
Wish
For a fresh start
Layers
Record Folk Modern
Keep this symbol · from £2.99Read the sources
The story · three layers

The story, in three layers.

Record, Folk and Modern are kept apart, and each one carries its source.

I
Record
Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia

Inscribed by UNESCO, 2017

UNESCO’s 2017 listing describes red and white threads worn from 1 March as a sign against the hazards of early spring, such as changeable weather. People take them off when they see the first blossom, swallow or stork.

II
Folk
Today

Wishes for the year

The threads also carry wishes for health and beauty in the year ahead.

To verify: Confirm this wording in the UNESCO text

III
Modern
UK, November 2026

Sold online

Martenitsi are sold online in the UK; on eBay UK most cost around £2 when we looked in November 2026.

Martenitsa
Worn from 1 March, UNESCO 2017
Story and sources on the reverse
Pl. IIThe story card. Every printed piece carries the story and a code that opens the full source list.
Keep it close

How would you like to keep it?

Add to bag · £8
  • No jewellery for this symbol yet; story card and download only
  • Printed cards are made in our partner workshop in China and shipped worldwide
  • Delivery: [UK/EU/US days TBC]; duties shown at checkout
In one breath
Worn from the first of March, taken off at the first swallow. Who would you keep it for?
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