Spring Traditions

Like many people all around the world the Greeks are really happy when it's time to leave the winter behind and greet the spring. This is why they have some particular spring traditions - and I'm not talking about spring-cleaning.

On the last day of February they create a bracelet with red and white thread. These braclets are called "Martis" which comes from the Greek word for March "Μάρτιος".  People don't make these bracelets for themselves but give them to loved ones and friends. On 1 March people start wearing them around their wrist, their neck or pinned on their clothes.

The white thread symbolizes purity, the red one life and passion. Together they stand for the wish for good health. The original thought may have also been the cycle of life and death, the balance of good and evil and the sorrow and happiness in every human's life. Some even say it could be interpreted as a symbol for Mother Nature with the white standing for the melting of the snow and red for the setting of the sun. In the past people were convinced that the bracelet protected young girls from getting burned by the sun because everyone's desire was to have flawless, white skin.

The Greek have different ideas on when to stop wearing this bracelet. Some wear it until the end of March and burn it with the fire of the resurrection candle then. Others hang it on roses where swallows can pick it up and use it to build their nests. Some people think that seeing a swallow or a blossoming tree is a sign for taking the bracelet off.

There are also different stories regarding the origin of this tradition. One of them says that in Ancient Greece secret religious rituals were performed by Demeter and Persephone. One of those rituals required people to wear a bracelet around their right hand and their left foot. The ancient tradition lives on until today every March. Another story connected to the history of the Balkan Peninsula states that after a battle in the 7th century the Bulgar Khan sent eagles with white threads to announce his victory but the threads turned bloody during the flight, creating the first "Martis".

Another symbol of spring is the ladybird. Its Greek name "πασχαλίτσα" (pasxalitsa) contains the word Easter because the ladybird is mostly found around this time of the year. In general, the ladybird is known as a symbol for good luck. When it lands on you, your wish will come true. Some Greek people believe that if a ladybird is found inside the house a son will be born soon. If it stays outside the child will be a girl. Another tradition says that if you catch and release a ladybird it will fly to your true love and whisper your name in their ear.

In Greece the arrival of the swallows in February and March also marks the beginning of spring. This is why children welcome the swallows on 1 March with the "Xelidonismata". They go around neighbourhoods holding a paper swallow and singing songs about their arrival. This bird really holds a special place in the hearts of Greeks!

But enough talk about the traditions and symbols of spring now, let us just enjoy that the nature is awakening again and that the warm sun is greeting us every morning.