Every year on March 1st, Greeks celebrate the arrival of spring by tying a Martis (Μάρτης) bracelet around their wrists. This simple red-and-white woven thread is believed to protect the wearer from the first strong sun of the year and to bring good health and luck.
The tradition dates back to ancient Greece, where initiates in the Eleusinian Mysteries -secret religious rites held annually in Eleusis, near Athens- wore a similar red thread, known as the kroki, as a protective charm.
The colors of the Martis bracelet carry deep symbolism. Red represents life, strength, and passion, while white symbolizes purity and new beginnings. Worn throughout March, the bracelet is often removed at the end of the month or on Easter Sunday. Many people tie it to a tree branch, believing it will bring a fruitful harvest, while others leave it for swallows to weave into their nests, symbolizing renewal and prosperity.
A traditional Bulgarian Martenitsa, featuring red and white twisted yarn and symbolic tassels.
Though distinctly Greek, the Martis tradition has striking similarities with customs in other Balkan and Eastern European cultures. In Bulgaria, the ‘Martenitsa’ is exchanged among friends and pinned to clothing or trees as a charm for health and good fortune. Romania and Moldova’s ‘Mărțișor’ follows a similar practice, often featuring red-and-white strings adorned with small charms (Stoica, 2017).
Beyond Europe, other cultures have long used red thread traditions for protection and blessings. In India, the Kalava (or Mauli) is tied around the wrist during Hindu rituals, invoking divine protection and good fortune. Similarly, in Latin America, the Pulsera Roja is worn to ward off the evil eye, particularly among newborns.
Despite their regional differences, these traditions share a universal human belief in the power of symbolic protection. Whether tied for health, luck, or spiritual safeguarding, the act of wearing a simple red-and-white thread remains a cherished ritual, passed down through generations.
