Bulgarian Traditions I: Martenitzi

Today, through this blog entry I would like to present to you a Bulgarian tradition with is specific to the month of March. It consists of wearing red and white decorations. They are usually made out of yarn, but many also include wood, plastic, beads, etc. Some are plain, while others are detailed and intricate. Martenitzi can take on the form of bracelets, pins, necklaces, and some are even designed so that they can be hung up around your house. The most common and easiest to make are ones which are made of a red and a white thread twisted together. However, some are much more complex and I believe that they are true pieces of art.

This tradition originated hundreds of years ago, dating back to pagan times. It is widely believed that the red in the martenitzi stands for sunshine, fertility, and good health. Simultaneously, the white is said to stand for the outgoing snow and to symbolize virtue, purity, and wisdom. For this reason, as well as to welcome spring, people exchange martenitzi with their friends and relatives on March 1st each year. They are worn until the first day of spring or until the first stork is seen. Then, they are either hung up on a tree, thrown in a river, or put under a stone for good luck and prosperity.

If you ever find yourself in Bulgaria in the middle of March, don't be surprised if you find yourself in the midst of a whole lot of red and white. Join in the fun as Bulgarians wish you good health, luck, and happiness.

Here are a few examples of martenitzi:

Am I addicted to Pepsi?

Am I addicted to Pepsi? I don't know, but I could be. For many years Pepsi has been my favorite soft drink. I don't even remember the last time when I refused to have regular Pepsi. I would say that I like any kind of juices and soft drinks, but somehow I always end up picking Pepsi Cola. I might be addicted to the caffeine and it seems like a reasonable explanation. But why Pepsi? Many other products contain caffeine and I don't have cravings for them. It could be the taste or some secret ingredient, but it is a fact that I can't resist a glass of Pepsi. Lately, I have noticed that my kids love the taste of Pepsi, too. Of course, they don't drink it on a regular basis, but sometimes my daughter would pour some into a porcelain cup so it is not visible and my son would sneak and have a sip without my permission.

It was interesting for me to find out that a lot of people consider themselves addicted to Pepsi Cola and struggle to find ways to get rid of this habit. Different people give original advice on how to fight this Pepsi addiction. Starting tomorrow I will refer to my favorite drink as to a brown toxic liquid laced with tons of sugar chemicals and addictive drugs...maybe...

Thoughts about Tattoos

In these current times tattoos are very popular and 'stylish' for both men and women. There are bad aspects and perhaps a few benefits (which I seriously doubt) about these tattoos. Today, I am going to discuss some of the things one should consider about before getting a tattoo. Personally, I would never get one, so therefore I shouldn't be at all concerned about this, right? Wrong. I have two kids who have yet to fully develop their opinions on various topics such as this and I can't help, but constantly think about it. I am not trying to impose my views on anyone, but I would like to share the following list of possible consequences which tattoos can bring about:

- Risk of infections, diseases, excessive bleeding

- The inks and dyes used to produce the tattoo could cause redness, allergic reactions, psoriasis, etc.
- Tattoos could prevent one from getting certain jobs
- Tattoos are permanent. What if we decide we no longer like/want them at some point in our life?
- "Removal" requires a surgical procedure which is painful, costly, carries its own risk of complications, and isn't always effective.

I once heard that "Having one [a tattoo] doesn't make you a criminal, but all criminals have one" and I agree. I know that a lot of people like them and would be willing argue with me on this opinion and maybe even create a longer list of 'benefits' that tattoos offer. Although I respect their opinion, I am thinking of young people (my daughter's age) who often make the rash decision to get a tattoo just because their friends did. They might consider it cool, fancy, or just a way of expressing themselves. However, they should think twice before going through with something of this sort, as they may regret it later in life.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some people who have tattoos cannot have MRI tests because of the metal fibers contained in some inks used for tattoos.