The days are getting longer, the temperature is rising, the grass is starting to get a little greener, and most things seem a bit more active. Mother Nature has been sending all the signals that spring is on the way and it’s finally here.
Now that spring has sprung, let’s dive a little deeper into the science behind spring, how other cultures and parts of the world celebrate the new season, and what local moms love about spring in Charleston.
The Vernal Equinox
The science behind spring, also known as the Vernal Equinox is a yearly astronomical event that happens in mid-March, with this year being on March 19th. The term “equinox” is derived from the Latin words “aequus” meaning equal, and “nox” meaning night.
The change to the spring season occurs when the sun crosses the equator from south to north, resulting in the sun being directly above the Earth’s equator. The Earth’s axis is neither tilted away nor towards the sun, resulting in equal days and nights. The yearly equinox serves as a reminder of the Earth’s position and relationship to the sun.
Global Celebrations of Spring
With the science explained, the cultural and global observance of spring brings in a plethora of celebrations marking life, rebirth, and renewal. Spring is often a joyous time of the year for many cultures and regions as they welcome in the new season.
- Cherry blossom festivals often mark the arrival of spring.
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- In Japan, the blooming of the Sakura trees create flower viewing parties known as Hanami, which are common during this time of year.
- In South Korea, it is known as the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Washington DC hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Hamburg, Germany also celebrates these beautiful blossoms during their own festival.
- In the North Pole/Svalbard, the coming of spring is marked by the end of polar nights, in which the region was previously in darkness from October to February, resulting in four months without any sunlight. Spring brings the Sun Festival, celebrating the return of the sun known as, “Solfestuka.”
- Holi, an Indian holiday known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and a victory of good over evil. Colored powders and water are thrown at each other in a very colorful celebration.
- Nowruz is a Central Asian holiday that marks the Persian New Year and beginning of spring. It is celebrated with various rituals, setting a special table known as Haft Seen, visiting family, and participating in festive events.
- Songkran is the Thailand New Year celebration in April, which is known as the Water Festival. Water is splashed on each other as a symbol of renewal and cleansing.
- Carnival celebration occurs in many countries throughout the world, notably in Rio de Janeiro, Trinidad, Tobago, and Venice, Italy. It often occurs before Lent, and marks the beginning of the spring season.
- Qing Ming Festival takes place in China, also known as “Tomb-Sweeping Day.” This festival happens in early April when families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombs, offer sacrifices, and pay respects.
- Vesak, also known as Buddha Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It usually occurs depending on the Lunar Calendar in April/May. This Buddhist holiday is celebrated with prayers, meditation, and acts of kindness.
- Persephone’s Return mythology is celebrated in Greece which signifies Persephone, the daughter of Demeter. She is said to return from the underworld to the Earth’s surface each spring, bringing the renewal of life and fertility.
- Ancient monuments, Stonehenge in England and Chichen Itza in Mexico, are aligned to capture the sun’s rays during the vernal equinox. This indicates the importance of the ancient culture’s influence on calendars and beliefs.
Charleston Spring Favorites
A little closer to home, we asked our local Charleston moms what their spring favorites for this time of year are, any yearly traditions, and what they have been most looking forward to:
- Longer days
- Warmer weather
- Salads instead of soups
- Beach walks
- More daylight
- Walks after dinner, sunsets, and enjoying nature
- Spring flowers
- Outdoor festivals
- Farmers markets
- Blooming of trees and flowers (not so much the pollen)
- Opening the windows and just letting the breeze in
- Spring cleaning — out with the old, and in with the new!
- Thunderstorms and April showers
- Spring sports and enjoying the outdoors
- More fresh produce being available
- Gardening
