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Thanks for the great link, Nan. I noticed a few variations in the customs of Buldarian "Martenitsa" vs the Greek "Martis". First the similarities: in both cases they are worn on March 1, and the custom is quite ancient. In Greece, however, I have never heard of the stork bit, nor do ve hang them on trees. They are supposed to be an amulet to protect people for Helios who in March had quite a "bite". In antiquity, Greeks wore them until the festival of spring, when they would throw them in the sacrificial pyre. With the advent of Christianity, the "Martis" is worn until it is placed around the neck of the skewered lambs eaten at Easter.