"Legend about Martenitsa" - Free stories online. Create books for kids

This book is dedicated to the legend about Martenitsa.

The martenitsa is a small piece of adornment, made of white and red yarn, and worn from 1st March until the first signs of Spring - blossoming trees or the first stork or swallow seen. This custom is considered a unique Bulgarian tradition.

In ancient times "matenitsa" was accepted as a ritual sign - a magic amulet for protection against evil forces.

The red and white woven threads symbolize the wish for good health and luck.

The white colour is a sign of beauty, purity, innocence and joy.

The red one- vitality, health and love, life and courage, the light of a rising or setting sun.

Preview audio:

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In ancient times old Bulgars had a kingdom that had a wise and fair ruler, Khan Kubrat. He had five sons and a daughter. Her name was Khuba which, in the language of the tribe, meant „beautiful“.

Soon after their father’s death, the Khazars invaded the lands. The leader of the Khazar tribes, Ashina, captivated by Khuba’s amazing beauty, abducted her. Ashina threatened the brothers that if they didn’t recognize him as the ruler of the kingdom, he would kill their sister.

The eldest brother, Bayan, acknowledged Khazars’ domination to stay with his sister and ensure her safety.

Four of the brothers divided the Bulgar tribes and each one set off to look for free land for their people.

The youngest brother, Asparuh, promised, that when he found a land where to establish a kingdom, he’d send a bird as a sign for Khuba and Bayan.

Not before long Asparuh reached a large river. After crossing it his journey ended up in fertile lands that offered everything – mountains, forests, rivers, valleys, sea.

Asparuh made a deal with the Slavs, people who already lived there, and they found a common country together and named it Bulgaria. And it was about time to send a message to his brother and sister to follow him.

Bayan prepared everything and as soon as they got the news they managed to escape. But they didn’t know where to go. Asparuh said only that he was going south.

Only the bird knew the way, so Khuba tied long white thread to its leg, let it fly, grabbed the other end and they followed it. Ashina found out for their escape, and sent his soldiers to bring them back.

An arrow wounded the bird’s wing and the thread was stained with its blood. Just when Khuba and Bayan were at the end of their strength, they saw the great river.

Asparuh and his warriors were on the other side. Seeing them, the pursuers of Ashina got scared and fled back.

Asparuh met his brother and sister.

He took the thread from Huba’s hand, put the white and the red ends together.

Then tied a piece of that sacred thread on the wrist of each of his warriors saying, “The thread that binds us together not be broken ever! Let we be healthy, strong and happy, and be BULGARIANS!”

It happened on the first day of March, in 681!

Asparuh called it Martenitsa and it became a symbol of luck, health, unity and new beginning, and the eternal bond among the people of our nation!

Since then, on the 1st March all Bulgarians exchange and wear a special ornament made out of red and white yarn for health, happiness and success!

Created by

the Bulgarian students Erasmus team

P.L.A.C.E.S.

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