The Balkans custom of "Martis"

"-Aaaaa Geh weg, lalas, geh weg" 

"- Neeeeein, ist meeeeeeeeinz, meeeeinz, geh weg, Alon"

I'm desperately looking for an employee to ask them for another shopping cart that has a car. All this time the twins were fighting for the only visible shopping cart that has a car, no matter what I was telling them they would not listen. Only thing that the boys were doing is to shout to each other who will drive the shopping cart car.

Finally an employee brings me another car shopping cart, so now I have my peace again, and can make my Christmas decorations shopping. 

I'm pushing a cart and pulling the other one, but the boys are happy to drive the cars, and I am happy I can look for the decorations that will surprise the boys. 

I end up at a stand where I find " Glücksklee". Glücksklee (Lucky Clover) is a German custom that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed that if someone finds a four-leaf clover, they will be blessed with luck. This superstition has long been practiced by people in Germany, with many families keeping a pot of clover in their homes. Historically, people would also share clover plants with friends and family members as a sign of good luck. Even today, it is common to see clover leaves used as decorations for special occasions, such as weddings or Christmas. 

This four-leaf clovers with a ladybug on them, and the Balkan customs start giving me ideas of "Martisor" or as the Greekcall it "Martis". 

The traditional Romanian custom of "mărțișor" has its roots in Ancient Roman and Slavic cultures, and is celebrated on the first day of March each year. The custom involves a unique gift, in the form of a small object or charm, which is made of a red and white thread or fabric, and is gifted to loved ones as a token of good luck, health, and prosperity. The name “mărțișor” is derived from the word “martie,” which means “March” in Romanian. The color red symbolizes the coming of spring and new life, while the white stands for purity and hope. 

The Greek custom of "μαρτις (martis)" is a celebration of the start of spring which takes place on the 1st of March. It is customary for people to exchange gifts of small tokens or treats, usually either decorated with a four-leaf clover or a bouquet of flowers, that is wrapped with white and red yarn. It is a tradition that is said to symbolize luck, love, and good health. Some people also exchange coins or jewelry, which is supposed to bring good fortune to the recipient. 

  So I get the  idea of making from this German "Glücksklee " a Balkan "Martis " and add the white  and red thread,  and I customized it with a crocheted rose.

So this is the final results