As the temperatures slowly rise and the snow begins to recede, the streets and malls are filled with kiosks like this. They are selling gifts to give to women and girls for Martisor (pronounced" martsishore"), a Romanian celebration on March 1st.
Included with a little gift is a red and white string. Anciently, it was believed that the one who wears the red and white string will be strong and healthy for the year to come. It is also a symbol of the coming spring.
When women are given a martisor gift like these, they wear them pinned to the lapel of their coat, or tied to their wrists, but these days it is less a talisman promising good health and more a symbol of friendship, love, and appreciation.
But the fun doesn't end on March 1st. March 8th is Women's Day! So the street vendors continue to do a brisk business for another week.
The trinkets didn't interest me at this kiosk, but this woman's hat was unique.
Vicky was regaled with flowers, trinkets, cards, dishes, soap and even a Snickers bar for Martisor and Women's Day. She says, " In March in Romania, I enjoy being a girl!"
We and all the senior missionaries in the area were invited to a St. Patrick's Day party by a family who are members of the church here in Bucharest.. The husband works at the American embassy. We all pitched in for a pot luck dinner with an Irish theme. It was delicious, but this little leprecaun stole the show.
This little "Riverdancer" charmed us all.
Then we heard some fun facts about St. Patrick Day traditions. A lovely evening.
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