Since ancient times on that day all Bulgarians give each other martenitsi - twisted red and white threads. Legends are told about this unique beautiful tradition, part of the Bulgarian intangible cultural heritage. Some are related to the proto-Bulgarians of khan Asparuh, others are even older.

One way or another, the tradition is still alive.
People tie martenitsi on their wrists or pin them on their clothes wishing good health, prosperity and luck. Martenitsi are put on the doors of the houses, on the trees in the garden and even on the animals in the farm. It is the oldest woman in the family who prepares them. With lots of love she interlaces cotton, silk or woolen threads.  The woman ties the first martenitsa on the hand of the youngest girl in the house. Then she gives a martenitsa to every family member.
Today making martenitsi has become a type of art. Women put lots of talent and imagination in it weaving into the threads coins, different beads and decorations. People believe that the martenitsa attracts good luck and protects form evil forces. Everyone wears one till the first stork comes. After that it is tied on a fruit-tree and a wish is made in the belief that it will come true.