Martis – The Greek Red and White March Bracelet

Red & white Greek March bracelet – The Martis

March means spring is just around the corner bringing with it this marvelous Greek tradition; the wearing of the “March bracelet” called the martis, or martenitsa, so called after the month of March.

Origins of the March Bracelet

March Bracelet – Photo By Nefeli Maggalousi.

Historians claim the tradition goes back to ancient Greek and Roman times when priests would wrap a red thread, a “Kroki”, around the right hand and foot to ward off evil spirits and protect against witchcraft.

Others say the ancient tradition of Martis goes way back to the time of the ancients, to the cults of Demeter and Persephone, when ancient rites were carried out at the ancient sanctuary of Eleusis, connected with the Eleusinian Mysteries.

Followers wore a red and white bracelet called a “kroki”, around both their right hand and left ankle.

 Traditionally in Greece March is considered the first month of spring and hopefully will bring lots of sunshine.

March – The beginning of spring when almond trees blossom

To protect themselves from being burnt by the hot, Greek sun, people, especially children, wear the “March Bracelet” from the first day of March until the last day of the month as in times gone by dark skin was thought to be a sign of impurity and true beauty meant pale skin and rosy cheeks.

 The March bracelet is created by weaving together red yarn, symbolizing life and passion and white yarn, symbolizing purity.

Martis, Greek March bracelet

The Bulgarian March Bracelet

The Martenitsa

In Bulgaria, the martenitsa are a couple of sweet woollen dolls, the male called “pizho”, made of mostly white wool, and the female, who wears a red skirt is called “penda”.

Martenitsa from Bulgaria

How to wear the March Bracelet

The March bracelet must be woven on the last day of February and be worn until it drops off naturally through wear and tear or until you see the first stork or swallow, returning from migration, or, the first blossoming tree, all of which herald the arrival of spring.

Once one of these harbingers of spring has been spotted the bracelet is removed and hung on a fruit tree.

This is said to keep the tree both healthy and lucky and to make sure of a good harvest of fruit.

March bracelets hanging from a fruit tree.

Nowadays, for extra protection, the “Evil Eye”is being incorporated into these quaint bracelets, another Greek custom which  protects against evil.

Greek red & white March bracelets, incorporating the evil eye, for extra protection.

 The tradition is that these bracelets should be given as presents, apparently they work better this way!

So do your friends a favour and keep them safe from sunburn, evil and even witchcraft by giving them one of these sweet little March bracelets.