CELEBRATING SPRING

Spring celebrations are an ancient practice. Some are based on the solar calendar, which track the Earth’s Orbit around the sun, and some are based on the Judeo Solar Lunar Calendar (say that five times fast :)), which tracks the solar calendar but also incorporates the cycles of the moon. For instance, Western Easter and Jewish Passover fall on the first Sunday following the first full moon of the Spring Equinox. The Pagan and Wiccan holiday of Ostara occurs on the Spring Equinox. Orthodox Easter celebrations are based on the Julian Calendar that was created by Julius Caesar. The oldest documented Spring Celebration is Nowruz which originated in Persia. It was first documented 3,000 years ago and is still celebrated in regions that have had a Persian cultural influence like Iran, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and also parts of central Asia and the Middle East. This is considered the New Year, much like the ancient Hindu tradition called Holi, which is predominantly celebrated on the Indian Subcontinent. What I absolutely love the most about these celebrations is that, in spite of their differences in origin and purpose, the underlying themes and traditions are nearly universal.

COLORED EGGS

Colored eggs are a tradition that can be found all across the globe and in many different springtime celebrations. Eggs symbolize new life and fertility. Dying eggs red is a tradition that is practiced, still, from China to Slovenia and by Greek and other Orthodox Christians. The red dye, a symbol of the blood of Christ is often made by boiling onion skins. The colored eggs were often placed in baskets or nests and given to children or people within the community. Hunting for eggs is believed to have originated in Germany sometime during the 16th century and is one of my most favorite things. I have such fond memories of hunting eggs with my cousins when I was young. My Mom, because she’s the best Mom, still does an egg hunt for us as adults.

RABBITS

The Osterhase or Easter Bunny, bringer of eggs and gifts, originated in Germany in the 16th century as a symbol of fertility for obvious reasons. Rabbits are ordinarily nocturnal creatures, except during their mating season in the Spring, so they would have been a more prominent part of the Spring landscape. This would have also lead to their association with the season. The Easter Hare is also the symbol of the Pagan Goddess of Spring and fertility, Ostara or Eostre. It is said that Ostara turned a bird into a rabbit and out of gratitude it would lay colored eggs in her honor in the Spring. The Easter Bunny has also evolved to become part of Christian Easter celebrations as a representation of new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A CELEBRATION OF NATURE

Spring is a time to celebrate the rebirth of nature. As color and life return to the landscape it is hard to not feel joyous and hopeful. The light and warmth that Spring provides offers many of us the chance to reconnect with Her after a cold, dark winter. Celebrations of nature include planting seeds and flowers, making floral arrangements with Spring blooms, picnicking with loved ones and representing nature when decorating our homes.

PREPARING OUR HOMES FOR SPRING CELEBRATIONS

Spring is also a time of Spring cleaning for so many. The season of renewal is a great time for refreshing your home as many of us prepare to celebrate with our friends and families by adding decorations to our homes and tables. Lighter, softer colors and fabrics in the home reflect the beauty of Spring and infuse our spaces with hope, positivity, and renewal. Adding elements of nature like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, and cuttings from Spring blooming bushes and trees is customary around the world.

As I prepare to celebrate with my family this weekend, I will find so much comfort and joy in knowing that so many of us will be participating in many of the same traditions and that we will be celebrating in much the same way as our ancestors have for thousands of years.

Happy Spring!