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MARTISOR - A Romanian Tradition

Posted by Japanalia (Yokohama, Japan) on 1 March 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture and Portfolio.

On the 1st of March all women in Romania, from little girls to centenarians, receive MARTISOARE! These are miniature figures hanging from a plaited red and white thread to be pinned on blouse or dress. Women ONLY receive and wear them, no men! This tradition goes back more than two thousand years, at the time of the Dacians, but the passage of time has altered both the little good luck charms and the way they are offered. One can get a car, a diamond or a house as a "martisor" nowadays......if you are that lucky!
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The background here is the cover of this year's diary my husband made for me with his own hands! The miniature is a chimneysweeper which is known to bring good luck when it steps in your way.
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NIKON E5700
1/41 second
F/3.9
ISO 200
161 mm