On March 1st, every child in Greece (as well as in other Balcan countries) puts a red and white string around their wrist to protect themselves from the sun. We call it 'March'.I used to have one as a child that my mum would make, however I hadn't put one since. Not until this year ,where I ended up, not with one, but with two of them!
A few days ago, my friend D was making two for her girls and she offered to make one for me, too! Of course I accepted, and it's the thin one you see on the photo.
What's more, as I was leaving school today, one of my pupils came to me ,with a big smile and she gave me the thick March. When I asked her to tie it herself around my wrist, she smiled wide open, as she wasn't expecting it at all!
I don't know, if I will get protection from the sun, but having these two strings around my wrist, will certainly be a protection against any pessimistic thought that may come to mind throughtout March!
I'm curious: do you have anything similar in your country?
I have never heard of this but love to know about different customs. I must say a big thank you for the olive oil again. I had some last night and then again today at lunch time with some toast. I thought the oil had a very 'green' flavour and was very tasty indeed. How I wish I had my own olive grove. Do you use the oil just for culinary purposes or use it in anything else such as soap? Happy March!
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy you're enjoying the olive oil, Simone!We use it for many other purposes,apart from cooking. My mum makes incredible soap made exclusively of olive oil!I can write a relevant posting sometime!
DeleteThank you for the lovely comment!
What a delightful custom. We do have Mothering Sunday coming up, half way through lent and traditionally a half day holiday so workers could visit their mothers and take them some spring flowers and maybe a little cake.
ReplyDeleteWereas mother's day is on the second Sunday of May in Greece!
DeleteNever heard of anything like it, we don't have customs like that in Australia( we just use sun cream Ha Ha) love Greenthumb
ReplyDeleteI guess sunscreen IS more effective, after all!!! ha,ha,ha!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteI've never heard of something like that here in the U.S. or from my German and Scandinavian grandparents. Interesting!
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