In spring, the axis of the earth increases its tilt toward the sun. Never mind the confusing diagrams; it's a simple as that. The hemisphere begins to warm up, causing new growth to "spring forth," giving the season its name. Our days and nights are each about 12 hours long now, but the daylight will increase until the June solstice. It's their turn for autumn on the "bottom" of the world, where the seasons are reversed.Astronomically, the vernal equinox on March 20th is really the middle of spring, based on the angle of the sun, and the June solstice is the middle of summer, because the sun is at its highest. Some Asian calendars call the vernal equinox mid-spring, but in the USA and most of England, today is regarded as the first day of spring.
In a mild coastal climate like ours, spring growth begins in early February with blooming trees and shrubs like cherry and magnolia. Meteorologists are also noticing "seasonal creep," which means signs of spring are occurring a few days earlier each decade. In Seattle, our spring weather tends to be cool, damp and quiet, but in other parts of the country tornadoes and super cell thunderstorms are possible when warm air from the south meets air from the polar regions. Think "Tornado Alley."
Spring is also a spiritual time of renewal, growth and new life. Most civilizations celebrate some type of spring festival. Easter, of course, is the most important religious day in the Christian liturgical year, and the date of Easter varies between March 22 and April 25 (in western tradition.)
Most of the holiday traditions we think are "ours" have ancient roots. Modern life is just the tip of the long, long continuum of history and culture. There were "pagan" celebrations that used the symbols we now associate with Easter, such as the Easter bunny, painted eggs and baby animals. Over time, Christianity replaced the celebration of "rebirth" with the resurrection of Jesus.
Way back in Roman mythology, Flora was a minor fertility goddess and the symbol of flowers and spring. Her festival, the Floralia, was held in April or May and symbolized the renewal of life with dancing, drinking and flowers. Our modern word for plants (Flora) comes from her name. Thanks to the Renaissance and painters like Botticelli, there was a revival of interest in pagan antiquity, so Flora became more famous than she ever was in Roman times.
Flora
I am the handmaid of the earth,
I broider fair her glorious gown,
And deck her on her days of mirth
With many a garland of renown.
And while earth's little ones are fain
And play about the mother's hem,
I scatter every gift I gain
From sun and wind to gladden them.
William Morris
I am the handmaid of the earth,
I broider fair her glorious gown,
And deck her on her days of mirth
With many a garland of renown.
And while earth's little ones are fain
And play about the mother's hem,
I scatter every gift I gain
From sun and wind to gladden them.
William Morris
Have a wonderful spring weekend-- the weather is glorious in Seattle and may hit 70 today. Maybe John will try out his new lawn mover? (hint, hint)
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