The Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute, along with representatives from the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia in Sweden, hosted a festive celebration with delicious food and local wines. The event took place on March 1, marking Martisor Day. The Romanian Ambassador to Sweden, Daniel Ionita, represented Romania at the event. Liliana Gutan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, represented Moldova.
According to an official statement, the event included an exhibition of Martisor charms. In Romania and Moldova, this celebration is known as “Martisor Day,” while in Bulgaria, it is called “Martenitsa,” a name derived from “Baba Marta,” an old and whimsical figure similar to Baba Dochia from Moldova. The Bulgarian Martenitsa resembles the Romanian and Moldovan versions, consisting of intertwined red and white silk threads, often adorned with coins, horsehair, beads, garlic, or snail shells, forming a protective amulet.
In North Macedonia, the tradition of wearing a red and white thread on March 1 is less widespread but exists in particular communities, particularly those with Bulgarian and Albanian influences. The thread is tied around the wrist or onto a fruit tree for health and good fortune.
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Representatives from the four countries presented traditional delicacies and local wines, including Moldovan sarmale, placinte, and baba neagra. The event also featured national dances and folk music.
Martisor is considered a symbol of spring, renewal, and nature’s rebirth. It is given each year on March 1, a day marked by various traditions and customs believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead.