Spring is Coming

Winter has been pretty mild this year. Maple Syrup season started a couple of weeks earlier than usual and is already in full swing. Spring, the season of renewal and rebirth, is a time when nature awakens from its winter slumber. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, the world bursts forth with vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and the promise of warmer days ahead. Spring is coming.

Let’s explore the essence of spring:

1. The Arrival of Spring:

Vernal Equinox: Spring officially begins with the vernal equinox, usually around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, day and night are nearly equal in length, marking the transition from winter to spring.
Blossoming Trees: Cherry blossoms, magnolias, and apple trees erupt in delicate petals, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Parks and gardens become canvases of pink and white hues.

2. Awakening of Nature:

Floral Symphony: Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses push through the thawing soil, announcing their presence with cheerful blooms. The air carries the sweet scent of hyacinths and lilacs.
Emerging Wildlife: Birds return from their winter migrations, filling the air with melodious songs. Bees buzz around, pollinating flowers and ensuring the next generation of plants.

3. Cultural Celebrations:

Vishu (Kerala, India): Vishu, celebrated in April, marks the Malayalam New Year. Families wake up to the sight of “Vishukkani,” an arrangement of auspicious items, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
May Day: May 1st is celebrated as May Day or International Workers’ Day. It’s a time to honor laborers and appreciate the changing seasons.

4. Springtime Activities:

Gardening: Green thumbs rejoice! Spring is the perfect time to plant seeds, tend to flower beds, and cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables.
Picnics: Pack a picnic basket, spread a blanket, and enjoy the mild weather in a nearby park. Sandwiches, fruit, and lemonade taste even better outdoors.
Spring Cleaning: Open the windows, dust off the shelves, and declutter your living space. Spring cleaning rejuvenates both the home and the spirit.

5. Spring in Literature and Art:

Poetry: Poets have long celebrated spring’s beauty. From William Wordsworth’s “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” to e.e. cummings’ “In Just-,” spring inspires verses of hope and renewal.
Paintings: Artists capture spring’s essence through vibrant landscapes, blooming flowers, and pastoral scenes. Think of Monet’s water lilies or Van Gogh’s almond blossoms.

I created a YouTube video with poems about Spring, the forest, and gardening. The vibes of spring will help you get through to the warmer days. Watch it here.