One of the most popular holidays for Romanians is "Martisor", the celebration of the arrival of spring.
One of the most popular holidays for Romanians is "Mărţişor", the celebration of the arrival of spring. Nowadays, however, the "mărţişor" gift no longer has much to do with the traditional symbol, and has become any old object, to which sometimes is added a red or red and white braid.
And yet, why are "mărţişor"gifts still given? Where does this custom come from and what significance does it have?
In most parts of Bucovina and especially in Moldova, Muntenia and Dobrogea there exists the custom for parents to tie a silver or gold coin around their children's necks or hands. The symbolism of bestowing the "mărţişor" lay in the fact that this would bring good luck throughout the year and their children would be healthy once spring arrived.
So maybe this year, Romanians should think about a personalised "mărţişor" gift, which doesn't lose the original purpose of bringing luck and good health.
And what gift could meet these requirements better than a private health insurance policy?
This insurance policy offers out-patient and hospital medical services to superior standards in the event of accident or illness; in addition, the person insured receives the timely care and medicine that he/she requires in order to make as speedy as possible a recovery.
In this way one can avoid the financial impasse that can come about as the result of an unpleasant event that could happen at any moment in anyone's life.
According to a study carried out by Aviva in March 20061, only 4% of Romanians had a private medical insurance policy. Romanians think of their health and their families' financial security, but unfortunately 96% of them do not help themselves by doing anything to eliminate this concern.
In Western European countries, expenditure on private health insurance policies represents 35% of people's savings.
"The start of spring is a time of renewal, of the rebirth of nature and of life, a time when we think automatically of the future and the health of those dear to us. This year, Romanians can give personalised "mărţişor" gifts, private health insurance policies, which, even if they can't guarantee them good health, can help them to stay healthy," states Shah Rouf, CEO of Aviva Life Insurance Romania.
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For further information:
Ana-Maria Constantinescu - GMP PR
Telephone: 0740 426 835
Notes to editors:
1Aviva consumer attitudes to long-term savings 2006 (CAS 2006)
The findings of this survey may only be reproduced if Aviva Life Insurance is acknowledged as the exclusive source
About Aviva
Aviva is the fifth largest insurance group* and the biggest provider of insurance products in Great Britain. The group is the market leader for pension and life insurance products in Europe, recording sustained growth in the area of long-term savings on the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia, Australia and the USA.
Aviva's portfolio is made up of long-term savings products, private pensions, administration of investment funds and general insurance policies. The group administers €434 billion worth of assets, representing the money of over 35 million clients worldwide.
Aviva Life Insurance officially started trading on 11 October 2000, and the company currently boasts a sales team of over 1,000 consultants and managers and a network made up of 19 agencies and 4 development centres.
* In terms of the volume of gross premiums reported in the fiscal year ending on 31 December 2005.