Martenicas - the custom of having a Thracian origin.

The symbol of March in Bulgaria is considered to be the so-called "martenicas."

This two brushes of red and white threads that people give to each other as a symbol of joy and health.

First martenicas represented the white and red woolen thread, which sometimes intertwined additional items: a silver or gold coin, metal charms, dry garlic, pieces of cornel twigs, shells and more. It was believed, for example, that blue beads or cloves garlic protects against evil forces or the evil eye. A coin attached, symbolizing a wish prosperity.