It’s a frequent occurrence in August: after a long holiday in Greece, Maxima always wears something new on her wrist. This year’s harvest is remarkable. There are no diamonds, but a red-white thread.

The bracelet has not been removed since its debut in August.

Not even on budget day.

This is the so-called martaki or martis. This red and white colored bracelet is traditionally worn in the month of March. The weather is changeable in this month and the tradition surrounding Martaki is inspired by this. According to some, the bracelet provides protection from the bright spring sun (and thus burning your face), according to others, the white thread turns pink if the wearer gets sick with the flu. In a third narration, it provides protection from health. In short: a bracelet full of superstitions, but nowadays it has also become a very popular souvenir in Greece.

Will Máxima also believe in the stories? Given her preference for jewelry with nazar (evil eye/lucky eye), this wouldn’t surprise me. It’s also possible that the Greek symbolism simply gives her a holiday feeling or that a loved one also has the red and white bracelet. Around the time of the inauguration, Máxima and her mother also wore the same bracelet that had resurfaced after Ines Zorreguieta’s death.