Welcome spring the Greek way, wear a "Martis"

Sun, golden beaches, crystal waters, freshness, joy of life! Does this ring a bell?

Most people are visiting Greece during summer as they want to enjoy the clean and beautiful beaches of the Aegean and the Ionian Sea. Although it is lovely in summer one should not miss the Greek spring in the countryside as well as in the big cities like Athens.

Springtime is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Greece! Flowers are blossoming and the streets of Athens smell Nerantzia, a very common tree with orange color fruit and white flowers which smell like a perfume. People are sitting more and more outside and the vibes of the city beat stronger. Spring symbolizes life, a new beginning. As in every culture, many myths and traditions are based on this symbolism.

In Greece, there is the tradition of ‘’Martys’’ or ‘’Martia’’ which means March. It is said that the tradition’s origins come from Ancient Greece. However, we find it in other Balkan countries as well, like Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria.

According to the tradition, the 1st of March, which is the beginning of spring time, mothers put on their children’s wrist a bracelet, made of white and red thread, so they get protected by the first strong sunny days. After all, until recently beautiful women were considered the ones who were not sun tanned! It is also believed that the bracelet keeps away mosquitos and bad spirits!

Nowadays not only children but people of all ages wear this white and read thread on their wrist (let’s see how observant you are!) which is offered in jewelry shops or trendy multi stores.

By the end of March, people wear it off, or leave it on a tree so birds can use it to build their nests. Other people keep it and burn it with the holy light that they receive during the Easter ritual. Which is always celebrated in spring time and is the most beautiful religious Holiday in Greece.

Would you like to ‘’welcome’’ spring the Greek way?

Do you need to be protected by the first strong spring sun rays?

All you need is a ‘’martys’’ bracelet then! You can even make it on your own, however, you will find it in many stores while joining our Walking Tours.

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