01 Mar Baba Marta, Crone of Spring

Baba Marta – Grandmother March – dwells deep in the forest with her two brothers Little and Big Seshko (January and February). Like three bears, they spend winter dozing in their cozy den. While the snow falls silently in the woods and all is quiet and still, Marta and her brothers snore through the short, dark days.

When Father Sun returns from his southern sojourn and brings his bright, warm rays, the creatures of the north begin to stir in their winter beds. His light rouses Marta and her brothers, waking them from their hibernation. Yawning and stretching after their long slumber, they all rise a bit groggy, and a bit grumpy. There is much grumbling and bumbling as they get their bearings.

Grandmother March would like to get right back into bed but there is much work to be done to bring forth Spring. First she must tidy her tiny home. She must sweep away the dust and ash from her wood stove. She must straighten and fold her bedding. The garden must be raked.

All this work would make anyone grouchy! When Baba is cross and frowning, dark clouds roll in and cover the sun. Ice and snow, once again, blanket the ground, sending Spring sprouts and shoots shrinking back into the earth. When Baba is gay and smiling, the sky clears, buds and birdsong return. 

Her most important work of all is weaving. She gathers the white light of the sun and the red strength of the earth and twists them through her old fingers to twine the cord of Life. As she spins and spins and spins her threads, she whispers blessings that the new year will bring abundance and good health to all. Then she waits.

Baba Marta waits for brave and kind children to bring her tea and ask her about her winter dreams. Sometimes one by one, and sometimes in bunches, children come to listen to Baba’s stories. Their tea warms her boney hands and their sweet faces make Baba smile. With each grin a crocus or daffodil breaks through the soil and blossoms.

As the children leave, Baba Marta ties her red and white cords around their wrists and whispers this message, “I bless you with good health and happiness. Share my blessing with the flowers. When you see your first budding branch hang this bracelet upon it to spread the hope that Spring brings.”

Catherine Brooks, 2023, adapted from Bulgarian folklore