Date
Saturday
Mar

March 1

International Martisor

Get ready to celebrate the arrival of spring with the traditional Romanian holiday, International Martisor! Join in on the festivities and wear your red and white threads.

Yearly Date
March 1
Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Romania

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate a beautiful and ancient tradition on March 1 with International Martisor! This holiday originated in Romania and has been celebrated for over 8,000 years. On this day, people exchange small tokens of good luck and friendship in the form of red and white string bracelets or other trinkets. It's a symbol of spring, new beginnings, and positivity. Whether you're familiar with this holiday or just learning about it now, it's a wonderful opportunity to spread love and joy to those around you. So put on your red and white accessories and let's celebrate together!

International Martisor Timeline

Roman Era
Martisor Originates
Martisor is believed to have originated in the ancient Roman Empire. It marked the change of seasons and the start of the agricultural year.
15th Century
Identity as Romanian Tradition
The tradition of Martisor evolved primarily in Romania and Moldova, becoming a part of their cultural identity.
Late 1800s
Cultural Symbolism
In the late 19th century, the Martisor string, made in red and white threads, took on symbolic meaning — red for love and vitality, and white for purity.
20th Century
Modern Day Martisor
Over the 20th century, the giving of Martisors as gifts to bring luck and happiness became more prevalent, featuring talismanic charms attached.
2017
UNESCO Recognition
In December 2017, the "cultural practices associated to the 1st of March" were added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

How to Celebrate International Martisor

1

Make your own Martisor

Get creative and make your own Martisor to wear or gift to others. Use red and white thread or ribbon to create a traditional braided design, or use other materials like beads, paper, or clay to make a unique Martisor.

2

Attend a Martisor festival

Look for local festivals or events celebrating International Martisor and join in the festivities. You'll get a chance to see traditional dances, music, and food while learning more about the holiday.

3

Send Martisor cards

Spread the joy of International Martisor by sending handmade or store-bought cards to friends and family. Include a special message about the holiday and its significance.

4

Cook traditional Martisor dishes

Research traditional foods eaten during International Martisor and try your hand at cooking them. Invite friends over for a feast and share the history and meaning behind each dish.

5

Create a Martisor-themed art piece

Get creative and make an art piece inspired by International Martisor. This could be a painting, sculpture, or any other medium that reflects the holiday's themes and traditions.

Why We Love International Martisor

A

It's a symbol of spring

In Romanian culture, the martisor is given on March 1st as a symbol of the coming of spring. After months of cold weather, it brings a sense of hope and renewal for the year ahead. It's a beautiful tradition that celebrates new beginnings.

B

It's a unique and thoughtful gift

The martisor is not just any gift - it holds cultural and symbolic meaning. It's also usually handmade, making it even more special. Giving someone a martisor shows that you are thinking of them and wishing them good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

C

It promotes kindness and generosity

On March 1st, people in Romania exchange martisoare with friends and family as tokens of friendship and goodwill. The tradition encourages acts of kindness and generosity among loved ones, reminding us to spread love and positivity in our relationships.

International Martisor Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 28
Tuesday
2024
Feb 29
Thursday
2025
Feb 28
Friday
2026
Feb 28
Saturday
2027
Feb 28
Sunday