The Martaki 

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The Martaki or Martis bracelet is one of my most popular products.  Not only is it a very striking bracelet, but it holds a special meaning with a lot of ancient history behind it.

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The tradition of the Martis (Greek word for the month of March) dates back to ancient Greek times, as a way to welcome in the transition from winter to spring. On March 1st, it is said that if you tie a bracelet of red and white string around your wrist, it will protect you from the harmful rays of the new season's sun. The white string represents purity and the red represents sun-kissed cheeks, life and passion. The Martaki is often adorned with a cross or an evil eye to bring the wearer protection and good luck.

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In Greece, adults and children wear the bracelet for the entire month and remove it the last day of March. After removing the bracelet, they hang it on a fruit tree, so the tree will remain healthy and be fruitful. It is also hung on rose bushes to encourage the flowers to flourish.

 

I love the meaning behind the Martaki and feel honoured to bring this to New Zealand shores. It's a beautiful tradition to follow in our Spring (even though our seasons are opposite to Greece), in fact I love this bracelet so much I wear it all year round!   To view our Martakia available for purchase, click here

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