Spring at UCL-SSEES library and martinka
A little piece of spring has blossomed in the #UCLSSEES Library. 🌸
Our small exhibition celebrates one of the Balkans’ most joyful shared traditions, the welcoming of spring with red and white thread ornaments known by many names across the region. This year, I’m especially happy that it also features the Macedonian мартинка (martinka). ❤️
On 1 March, people across the Balkans exchange these handmade ornaments: bracelets, tassels, pom-poms, bows, or tiny dolls, as symbols of health, happiness, good fortune, and the arrival of spring. Although each country has its own customs and stories, they all celebrate the same hope: that winter is behind us and brighter days are ahead.
A special thank you to my hubby, who drew the beautiful spring tree 🌳❤️. And yes… even Ljubo, the mascot from Ljubljana, received a cultural upgrade and is proudly wearing his #martinka! 😄
Sometimes the smallest threads weave the strongest connections between cultures. 🌸
