The custom of March (martitsi)

On 1th of  March everywhere in Greece we have the habit of tying on the left, or both hands just above the wrist, a bracelet of red and white thread.

This thread is worn on March 1st, and comes out on the last day of March.

In March, mainly young children wear it, so that the evil eye cannot touch them, or they will not get burnt from the hot sun. Symbolically, the white and red colors are often used in superstitions when it is to prevent someone from the evil. This is also mentioned by the ancient Greek writers. The Byzantines report the use of dyed thread against the war. In the Eleusinian mysteries in antiquity the young mystics were weaving yolks  (kroki) on their right hand and foot. It is therefore a very old custom dating back to Ancient Greek Times.