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♡ Baba Marta ♡

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♡ Baba Marta ♡
Group:♡Harajuku girls♡
Swap Coordinator:provadia (contact)
Swap categories: Challenges  Accessories  Art 
Number of people in swap:4
Location:International
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:February 11, 2010
Date items must be sent by:February 27, 2010
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

Baba Marta is a holiday that I grew up with in Bulgaria and it is only celebrated there:) I wanted to introduce you all to it and I hope you will enjoy what it's all about!

Basically.. The red and white woven threads are not just meaningless decoration, but symbolize the wish for good health. They are the heralds of the coming of spring in Bulgaria and life in general. While white as a color symbolizes purity and soul, red is a symbol of life and passion, thus some ethnologists have proposed that in its very origins the custom might have reminded people of the constant cycle of life and death, the balance of good and bad, of sorrow and happiness in human life. Given as an amulet in the period of spring, when nature gets “reborn” and starts blossoming again it was not only a reminder of that balance but also a wish for health, strength and happiness.

You guys can read more about it on Wiki and a lot of websites. I personally loved this holiday because in school we'd all give our friends one and get so many Martenitsi we wouldn't have room on our shirts!

I'm going to make this more of a scavenger hunt since I don't expect you guys to know how to make a martenitsa.




Here is what we'll be looking for:

♡ A fabulous white gift.

♡ A fabulous red gift.

♡ Something both red&white that is handmade.




I'm going to put a $10 minimum on this just to get everyone on the same level but you should put your most effort into this as it's about luck and well being:)

Here is a great example of what a good March 1st looks like.

This holiday really means a lot to me and I would really love it if you guys decided to give it a try. You don't have to make the little boy & girl (Pizho and Penda) for the handmade part, but you're welcome to make your own versions of them.. whether it be an ATC, a plush or a card.

Thanks so much for reading all this, I know it's a lot and to all who read about it/sign up, you rule! Thanks for learning about my culture ♥

Discussion

dmarie 02/ 6/2010 #

thank you for introducing us to this

provadia 02/ 6/2010 #

Donna - Thank you for giving it a chance:):)

Reilo 02/ 6/2010 #

ooh! Thanks for sharing Provadia.

If we make the handmade items and can't find any authentic baba marta stuff to buy, are we allowed to spend $10 on anything red and white that match?

provadia 02/ 6/2010 #

Right! I don't expect you guys to find some authentic stuff since it's only sold at Bulgarian stores. The $10 could go toward any kawaii or harajuku item or anything cute. It doesn't have to be related to the traditions, but in a way it is since one item is white and the other red.

I hope that answers your question?:)

OneCraftyJuniper 02/ 6/2010 #

Provadia...you could put a tutorial up on flickr showing us all how to make a martenitsa (: It looks simple enough. Are they made with embroidery thread or yarn or what?

kupkake 02/10/2010 #

They are called yarn dolls, and are super easy to make. Google "yarn doll" =)

soxxbreathless 02/10/2010 #

I love this idea, thank you for introducing us to something new =)

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