Piet Swerts

Martenizza

Martenizza' is the Bulgarian word for the month March. This work describes an old custom in Bulgaria introduced to the composer was through Ivo Stoykov, a Bulgarian acquaintance. In accordance with tradition good friends give each other a number of white and red pennants on the 1st of March. When a stork has been spotted for the first time in March, the pennants are hung in a tree, and one can make a wish. According to the custom, friends wish each other health and happiness for the coming year.