March 01, 2004
Marţişor
Today is the first of March and that is a special day in Romania.
Yesterday, we picked up about two dozens of Marţişors which were on sale everywhere at little stands, open late just like the flower shops were all open yesterday.
Marţişor charms are little trinkets -- clovers, flowers, animals -- which are tied to little woolen strings of red and white. White symbolizes winter and red symbolizes summer, together the intertwined threads stand for spring.
Picture from thebans.com
Traditionally, the Marţişors are given by men to their sweethearts, friends and acquaintances. However, women give each other Marţişors as well, and parents may give them to their kids. The trinkets are tied to the wrist or worn on the lapel, the entire week from March 1 through March 8 which is International Women's Day. Additionally, small flowers (snow drops and hyacinths) are given away.
It's an endearing custom. Doug gave away lots of Marţişors today -- including one to the minister of something-or-other. Who knows? It might bring luck for both of them.
Posted by claudia at March 1, 2004 11:46 PMHi Claudia,
This is edward here from Fistful and other places on the net. I am posting this as a comment since I can's see an e-mail.
We are starting a blogzine called Living in Europe:
www.livingineurope.net
It isn't really up yet. But I am contacting you to see whether either or both of you would be interested in participating.
Love the photo on this post.
Edward
Posted by: Edward Hugh at March 2, 2004 02:12 PMIs it usual to give only a few martisors or none? Or is it usual to give several to many? (Particularly to other adults.) If one gets more than one, does one wear both? If one gets several, would one wear them all? Or would that be ostentation? If only one, does it matter whose martisor one wears?
Posted by: Rich Rostrom at March 3, 2004 07:03 PMHi Rich,
Is it usual to give only a few martisors or none?
It's quite common to give Marţişors to a wide range of female friends and acquaintances -- co-workers, the other mothers at the day care, teachers, and friends and relatives. As far as I know, one gives one Marţişor to each person.
If one gets several, would one wear them all?
Yes, one would wear them all. I ended up with two on my wrists. My nanny wistfully told me about her high school days, when she would end up with her chest full of Marţişors, like a general with his medals.
It's a very popular custom.
Claudia