Chestita Baba Marta!

I am fortunate. My wife, Daniella is from Bulgaria. It is an old country, being established in 681, it is almost 1,400 years old. With that maturity, it brings customs that are as old as it. Many of these centuries old with wisdoms from a time that no longer exists. A time when people were more closely aligned with nature. And being married to a Bulgarian woman, these customs now grace and enchant our life here on the farm.

March is a special month. Bulgarians, always celebrate March 1 with a "martenitza" like the one to the right. A happy couple made from red and white yarn or thread. These were made by Daniella's mother before she passed on. The detail is fun for such a simple pair. The male has a vest and little socks, and the female sports an apron. The man's name is Pizho and the woman is Penda. Today we hung a large martenitza also made many years ago by Daniella's mother on our door. Both Pizho and Penda wear a headband with a delicate flower. The apron is part of the Bulgarian national costume. The martenitza is a symbol of fertility, and the man and woman represent the beginning and nucleus of the family. The red represents both the color of blood and of health. While the white represents the snow still commonly present in March on the Balkan Peninsula. Together, they promise health and happiness as winter comes to an end, and Spring begins life anew. Everyone wears one almost always during the whole month. It is a wish for health, happiness and - watch out - fertility. So be careful when you wear it!

In the Bulgarian language and culture, March is the only female month. And therefore it is very unpredictable. It could just as easily bring more snow and cold weather, as it can bring warmth and new life, all in one month. The legends say Baba Marta (Grandmother Marta) had eleven brothers. The youngest being Ianuary (January) and the oldest Dekemvry (December). Marta was the third child, and was not known for her good nature. She could be vindictive and tempestuous. Wearing the martenitza helps keep you in her good graces.

When you see the first signs of spring, in Bulgaria that may be a stork, or here in California a budding fruit tree, hang the martenitza in the tree. Today our almond trees are in bloom, so I will most likely hang mine there in a week or so, after wearing it (I don't want Baba Marta coming down on me, a storm with strong wind is headed in as we speak!)

Wishing Chestita (Happy) Baba Marta! to all of you, my friends. And to all of you - be happy, healthy and fertile in March!