MARTISOARE

Romania has many interesting customs and holidays that are celebrated. Our job is to figure out when they are, how to celebrate them and what they mean!

Martisoare is one such custom it is specific to the Romanian people and it’s origins stem from agricultural practices. “Martisoare,” which basically means "little March," is celebrated on the first of March. What I've read says it has been celebrated for over 8,000 years. It’s origins are from Rome because New Year's Eve was celebrated on the 1st of March, the day of the god with the same name. He was the god of agriculture and represented rebirth of nature.

In ancient times, people painted small river rocks in white and red and people wore them round their neck. The Red color was the blood, sun and fire ...they meant life and symbolized the woman. The White color was the clear water and of the sky ...they meant the man. One next to another meant that they could not be separated.

Today, women receive small gifts and lapel pins with red and white strings on them. It is a very celebrated holiday here. Also, women receive these things again on the 8th of March which is Romanian Women's Day.

Probably, like most holidays, it's some twisted evolution of an ancient pagan fertility and reproduction practice to a pagan god.... today it's a bunch of street vendors selling cheap, plastic trinkets for frantic well-meaning sons, husbands, fathers of girls and tourists!