Finally! Finally! After the most atrociously long winter in the history of Kentucky winters (or at least that's what it feels like) we are ready to welcome spring I'm ready for longer and sunnier days, for the possibility of wearing short sleeves outside and not losing a limb to the cold; I'm ready for heat and driving my scooter and bike around, for farmers markets and for afternoon walks around the neighborhood as the sun sets. So with all that in mind, I wish all of you a happy first day of spring! May it be joyful and full of blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and the smell of freshly cut grass (a personal favorite.)
There's a Bulgarian tradition that we do each year during March. The holiday is called "Baba Marta" and literally translates to "Granny March." On March 1st we exchange "martenitsi" which are red and white bracelets made of yarn. Granny March is a centuries old mythical figure that brings with her the end of the bitter winter and reminds people that spring is near. The exchange of the martenitsi also serve as a reminder that spring is near, but they also represent health in happiness in the new year. The myth goes that upon tying the bracelet to one's wrist, one is supposed to make a wish. Then, the bracelet is not supposed to be removed if one wants their wish to come true. Only when one sees the first stork of the year or (more likely) the first tree come into bloom, only then is a person allowed to remove the bracelet. Then, I'm order for the wish to come into fruition, the bracelet is supposed to be tied to a branch of a blooming tree. So there! Now you all have been duly informed on how Bulgarians celebrate the arrival of spring. And although it is mid-March by now, the trees are still not in bloom and there have been no stork sitings. It's never too late to make a bracelet and wish of your own!
Enjoy your spring everyone!
Lusi
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