The name of such a bracelet is derived from the Greek word Martis, which is the month of March.
The first day of March represents the beginning of spring in Greece, since by this time, almond trees and various season flowers have already started to bloom across the countryside, and new baby lambs have been born!
The much-anticipated first day of March comes with the weaving, sharing, and wearing of special Martis bracelets made of a combination of intertwined red and white yarn or string. It is customary that mothers and teachers make this bracelet for their children by using the colors red and white, symbolic of the red rosy cheeks and a white complexion, this bracelet will protect them skin from the strong Greek sun and the first sunny days of spring!
As tradition has it, some people remove the bracelet when they spot their first spring swallow bird, known as the helidoni. The Marti bracelet bearer makes the offering so the swallow picks it up to add to its new nest. Others say that they wear the bracelet until Easter day, and burn it with the lamb that is roasted. This is said to be symbolic of Christ’s resurrection, where all our sins burn away and disappear.
What a great welcoming of springtime these Martis bracelets are! Watch this video and see how you can make one. It's so easy!
Happy March!
Happy Spring!
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