The Martenitsas Come Off

If you recall, a few blog posts ago, it was Baba Marta here in Bulgaria. The red and white martenitsas have been dangling from wrists and utilized as accessories for oversized winter coats for about a month now.







With the onset of Spring, and the first, delicate buds emerging on trees throughout the city, Sofians are casting off their Martenitsas and tying them around small branches. It is quite a sight to see a small bush or tree covered with 40 or 50 martenitsas. It's like decorating a christmas tree.

I have not removed my own martenitsas yet. I will do so when I see trees on the ACS campus readying themselves for spring. I will save my red and white for those closest to me.