0 saved#5,808 of 6,224

Mărțișor

A cultural observance on March 1 celebrating the beginning of spring, renewal of nature, and protection for health, beauty, and prosperity through wearing red-and-white amulets.

Monday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEMarch 1

OBSERVED INRomania

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

ORIGIN

Historical Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Martisorul is an ancient tradition with roots traced to Antiquity, with archaeological finds of similar amulets over 8,000 years old at Schela Cladovei. It evolved organically through generations in agricultural communities to mark the transition from winter to spring, and was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

Institutional Recordvia ich.unesco.org

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Spring is in the air and it's time to celebrate Mărțișor on March 1! This traditional holiday originated in Romania and Moldova as a way to welcome the arrival of spring. The name comes from the Romanian word for March, "martie", and the red and white strings symbolize the changing of seasons from winter to spring. On this day, people exchange small gifts adorned with these colors as a symbol of friendship, love, and good luck. It's a beautiful tradition that has been passed down for generations and continues to bring joy and positivity to those who celebrate it. So let's spread some cheer on this special day!

TIMELINE

Mărțișor Timeline

Martisor Originates

Martisor is believed to have originated in the ancient Roman Empire. It marked the change of seasons and the start of the agricultural year.

Identity as Romanian Tradition

The tradition of Martisor evolved primarily in Romania and Moldova, becoming a part of their cultural identity.

Cultural Symbolism

In the late 19th century, the Martisor string, made in red and white threads, took on symbolic meaning — red for love and vitality, and white for purity.

Modern Day Martisor

Over the 20th century, the giving of Martisors as gifts to bring luck and happiness became more prevalent, featuring talismanic charms attached.

UNESCO Recognition

In December 2017, the "cultural practices associated to the 1st of March" were added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Mărțișor

Make your own Mărțișor

Get creative and make your own Mărțișor, a traditional Romanian symbol of spring. You can use different materials like yarn, beads, or even paper to create your own unique design.

ATTEND

Attend a Mărțișor festival

Check to see if there are any Mărțișor festivals happening in your area and attend one to experience the culture and traditions surrounding this holiday. You may even get the chance to purchase some authentic Mărțișor crafts and souvenirs.

GIVE

Give Mărțișor gifts

Follow the tradition of giving Mărțișori as gifts to friends and family. These small tokens of appreciation are meant to bring good luck and health for the coming year. You can purchase them or make your own to give to loved ones.

LEARN

Learn traditional Mărțișor dances

Find a local dance group or class that teaches traditional Romanian dances and learn some steps to perform during your Mărțișor celebrations. This is a fun and festive way to honor the holiday.

COOK

Cook a traditional Mărțișor meal

Research traditional Romanian recipes and cook a delicious Mărțișor-inspired meal to share with friends and family. Don't forget to include some of the symbolic ingredients, such as red wine or honey, to bring luck and prosperity for the new season.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Mărțișor

It's a time for gift-giving

On Mărțișor, it's customary for people to exchange mărțișoare (plural of mărțișor) as gifts. These small tokens are given to loved ones, friends, and even strangers as a sign of friendship and appreciation. It's a beautiful tradition that brings people together and spreads joy.

It's a celebration of spring

Mărțișor is traditionally celebrated on March 1st, marking the beginning of spring in Romania. It's a time to say goodbye to winter and welcome the renewal and growth that comes with the new season. What better reason to love this holiday!

It's a symbol of luck and health

The traditional mărțișor is made up of a red and white string with small trinkets attached - usually a small figurine or coin. It's believed that wearing the mărțișor brings good luck and protects against illness during the upcoming year. Who wouldn't love a little extra luck and health?

Related holidays

SUN

Mar 2026

Religion

Nowruz Bayram

A cultural observance on the vernal equinox celebrating the Persian New Year, the beginning of spring, renewal, and the Zoroastrian tradition of the triumph of good over evil.

Dragobete

Get ready to celebrate Dragobete, the Romanian holiday of love and spring! Enjoy traditions like picking flowers for your loved ones and dancing around bonfires.

Nevruz Day

A cultural observance on the spring equinox celebrating the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, and the Persian New Year.

International Day of Nowruz

A cultural observance on the spring equinox celebrating the Persian New Year and the first day of spring, marking renewal of nature with rituals promoting peace, solidarity, reconciliation, and cultural diversity among over 300 million people.

11Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API