Many years ago, Spring came to the edge of the forest where it saw a little snowdrop flower covered in snow. Spring felt bad for the weak snowdrop and tried to help the flower by brushing away the cold snow. Winter watched in anger as Spring showed kindness to the little flower. Winter sent bitter winds against Spring and the flower, but having compassion for the little flower Spring wrapped its hands around the defenseless snowdrop, pricking it's finger on a nearby thorn bush. A little bit of blood fell from Spring onto the white snow and the flower. The flower was strengthened, bloomed, thus defeating Winter. This is the story told on Martisor, March 1st, when Spring spilt it's red blood on the white snow, ending Winter.
A few days before Martisor, the streets of downtown are lined with people selling little broaches made of red and white. Usually one buys a broach to give to another in celebration of the beginning of Spring. Men and women pin them to their jackets or sweaters and wear them throughout the week. Many of the broaches are made of red and white thread but can also be elaborately made with flowers and charms.
Next weekend is the celebration of International Women's Day. It is kind of how we celebrate Mother's Day in the States, but it recognizes all women. The church I attend combined the two holidays for the women where we had a fun time playing games, eating homemade sweets and being encouraged that women are not a mistake but designed especially by God in the mother's womb to do great things. Women can have a tough role in Moldova, so I know many were encouraged, as I too was encouraged. Each woman received a Martisor pin as they symbolized Christ's blood and our purity because of his redemptive act.
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