Martakia” is a custom celebrated on March 1st in Greece and other Balkan countries. It is a traditional celebration associated with the arrival of spring and the coming of the swallows. The origin of the custom is lost in the depths of time, with possible roots in ancient Greece or Rome. In ancient Greece, the month of March was dedicated to the god Ares (Mars in Roman mythology), the god of war, and symbolized the rebirth of nature after winter. In Roman mythology, March was the first month of the Roman calendar and symbolized the beginning of the new agricultural period.
Martakia are bracelets made of twisted white and red threads. The white color symbolizes purity and light, while the red symbolizes health and strength. Martakia are worn on the wrist or on the big toe from March 1st until the end of the month. The main purpose of Martakia is to protect children from the first sun of spring, which is considered to be particularly strong. Also, Martakia are believed to bring good luck and health. When children see the first swallows of spring, they untie the Martakia and leave them on rose bushes, for the birds to take and build their nest.
Today, Martakia continue to be worn as a symbol of the arrival of spring and as an opportunity to celebrate tradition. Often now the Martakia are decorated with various ornaments, such as beads, shells and others. Many charities sell Martakia to raise money