MĂRTIŞOR

In the spring, it is customary to give a mărțișor, a small decoration made of threads or two pieces of white and red lace, worn over the heart. It can also be a red and white thread to be worn around the wrist or neck. They are also often hung on the lapel of a jacket collar. According to an old legend, when the snowdrop flower struggled to make its way through the snow, winter saw this and became angry and raised very strong winds to suppress the spring's effort. This one is then wounded by a thorn. A drop of red blood on the white snow symbolizes the victory of spring over winter. This festival with ancient origins also exists in Romania and Bulgaria.

The mărțișori are usually worn throughout the month of March, then hung on trees with a wish, and legend has it that they come true if the trees are already in bloom. Men offer their beloved mărțișori in the form of flower bouquets (symbol of serenity and happiness). This festivity is highly respected and followed by all Moldovans throughout March, they love this tradition. In Chişinău, from March¹ begins a festival of folk and classical music, in the concert halls of the city. This traditional festival is not limited to the capital and gives rise to beautiful festivities, with concerts, in other cities or villages of the country. It is common to have mărțișori among the souvenirs brought back from Moldova.