March in Greece means the coming of spring and Greeks celebrate with the ancient custom of “Martakia” bracelets.

Always made with red and white woven thread, the colors symbolize purity and passion and have their roots in antiquity from the Eleusinian Mysteries, where the priestesses tied a thread around their right hand during services.

A tiny “mati,” or eye, is usually attached to the bracelet. The eye is a long-standing tradition in Greece and Balkan nations which people believe wards off evil spirits, jealousy and other negative energy and protects the bearer.

The bracelet is tied on in early March — hence the name “Martaki” or “little March” — and is left on for the entire month.

It’s especially popular among parents with small children who consider the bracelets “lucky charms” for their kids.

Like any custom that has its roots thousands of years in antiquity, specific aspects of the Martaki have evolved over time, as well as throughout regions of Greece.

According to some traditions, people remove the bracelets on the Saturday of Lazarus. In other places they are removed on Holy Saturday and tossed into the fires where the effigy of Judas is burned.

In rural villages, when the bracelets are moved, they are hung on fruit trees, passing on the positive energy and good luck to the crop.

So gather your red and white threads and craft your own “Martaki” this March, inviting protection and purity into your daily life. By doing so, you’re keeping the 3,000-year-old pulse of Greek heritage alive for the next generation.