How in the the world can I explain a non-Romanian the concept of “Martisor”? There isn’t even a translation for it, nor a similar world in English. Although a Romanian symbol and tradition, Martisor – in other forms – is offered in Greece, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia at the beginning of spring, too.

Martisor is a …string made of two strings: a white one and a red one. It’s the symbol of rebirth and hope, exactly what we associate Spring with. It’s given by guys to ladies on March 1, considered by tradition the first day of Spring (we all know that’s March 21 though). In Moldavia (province of Romania), the guys are given the Martisor, not the other way around.

The string is the symbol and not whatever is attached to it. As a child, I used to wear the string as a bracelet on my arm and after 14 days I’d put the string in a fruit tree. If the tree would deliver many fruits, I would have a good year. I wear the string pretty much all year round now. I consider it a lucky charm!

Some many years ago, we left Arad for Rome on March 1 and I got a Martisor in the airport. I wore the string during my travels and it felt nice, unique.

What does white and red stand for?

Red might mean the woman’s vitality and white the man’s wisdom. And Martisor represents the two combined ideas.

Legends go back to the Roman Empire, though. Back then, the New Year was celebrated in March which was the month dedicated to Mars , the God of War. However, he was also the God of Fertility. So if we stick to the legend, Martisor combines the peace (fertility, white) with war (red).

Romania also has some legends tied to Martisor and they involved an old lady called Dochia.

Why not buy your own Martisor souvenir?

Want to offer a unique gift or just grab a Martisor as souvenir?

For about a month before March 1, online stores are starting to sell Maritsoare (that’s the plural of Martisor). And sometimes in between St. Valentines and March 1, you can find them in brick & mortar stores as well as street vendors.

Here are some lovely Martisoare you can pick up online:

>>Check out more Martisoare here

Note: this article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission.