“Practicing traditions… brings us joy…
And is one of life’s “simple pleasures”.
Victoria
The Spring season has so many wonderful world traditions…all of them lively…as the whole world is “waking up and coming back to life” after the Winter months.
I myself have certain traditions that I follow each Spring…that bring me joy…as well as feed my soul. Garden centers are at the top of my list…to visit…and explore…as well as purchases of potted herbs…and plants that need to be replaced…from the cold of Winter.
I edit “stuff” in my house… feeling the pull within of lightening up…and giving away…items I once loved…but now joyfully pass on to someone else.
Without fail I spend time…exploring within myself…all the ways I want to rebirth and renew my life…and then make plans on how to bring them about…for positive change for myself.
What traditions do you practice during the Spring season?
Here are some Spring season world traditions that I find so interesting …and I hope you do too!
SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL
In Thailand this festival takes place shortly after the Spring Equinox. Songkran stems from the Sanskrit word for “astrological passage” and is celebrated within Thailand as New Year’s Day. Festivities involve going to a Buddhist monastery…visiting elders…and of course throwing water. The northern capital of Chiang Mai is the setting for the biggest celebrations…with festivities lasting for 6 days. Locals and tourists take to the streets with water guns…hoses…and bucket for a huge water fight!
WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL
Believed to have started in 1814…the White House Easter Egg Roll takes place on Easter Monday every year. For this fun tradition…children gather in Washington D.C. on the White House lawn to roll eggs across the grass with wooden spoons…to see who can cross the finish line first…winning prizes and sweet treats. The festivities are overlooked by the President and their family… as well as a giant Easter bunny.
HOLI – NORTHERN INDIA
This is one of the most colorful festivals in the world. Holi is celebrated by Hindus across Northern India. This festival involves throwing colored powder at one another…which pays tribute to the many hues of the Spring season as well as events from Hindu mythology. The festival lasts a full day and night…this colorful and happy celebration is a tradition that marks the end of the Winter season…and the arrival of Spring growing season.
NOWRUZ – CENTRAL ASIA
Nowruz…means… new day. Celebrated as the first day of the first month of the Iranian calendar and coinciding with the Spring Equinox “new day” symbolizes new life…new beginnings…and the rebirth of nature. A multi-day celebration often starts with people cleaning their homes…and a festival of bonfires…costumes…and family remembrance. Family and friends join together outside for music… dancing and food in the cities public spaces.
COOPER’S HILL CHEESE-ROLLING AND WAKE – GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND
This festival involves a wheel of cheese thrown down a very steep hill and competitors throw themselves down after it. The first one to cross the finish line wins. Needless to say…cuts…bruises…and even broken bones happen with this 200-year-old tradition that welcomes the Spring season…but is held every single year…attracting young and old competitors each year.
CIMBURIJADA – BOSNIA
This “festival of scrambled eggs” celebrates the first day of Spring in the Bosnian town of Zenica. At the crack of dawn…people gather by the banks of the Bosnia river… where a communal meal of scrambled eggs is prepared. Together people share their breakfast eggs with friends…and families…and listen to music to mark the first day of Spring.
THE OPENING OF KEUKENHOF GARDENS – AMSTERDAM
This beautiful 32 acre garden is a tribute to honor the Spring season. This garden showcases more than seven million tulips…daffodils and hyacinths. What a beautiful sight to behold!
CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON – KYOTO
On the first day of Spring…cherry blossoms bloom…making for an incredible and beautiful sight. This is a yearly Spring tradition…and tickets must be bought to experience this wonderful event.
SPRING EQUINOX IN TEOTIHUACAN – MEXICO
Thousands of people …traditionally dressed in white… gather at the enormous Teotihuacan Pyramid…located outside of Mexico City to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Celebrants use the morning to climb the 360 steps to the top of the Pyramid to get closer to the energy of the sun.
FOLKLORE FOR THE SPRING SEASON
Folklore is a tradition that has a very long history worldwide…and I so love researching and discovering folklore…and sharing it with you!
…Early thunder…early Spring.
…If there is Spring in Winter…and Winter in Spring…the year won’t be good for anything.
…Isn’t on St. Mary’s (25th) bright and clear…fertile is said to be the year.
…A cold and moist April fills the cellar and fattens the cow.
…A dry May and a leaking June make the whistle a merry tune.
…Hoar frost on the 1st of May indicates a good harvest
…April cold and wet fills barn and barrel.