Spring Equinox
For the past five or so years, I have been celebrating each seasonal shift during the year. Celebrating the turning of the seasons helps me feel connected to each part of the year. I try to take time to notice each part’s qualities, both positive and negative. I really enjoy creating traditions that are not necessarily part of the cultural zeitgeist. These traditions are not saturated with commercialism and expectations, just a time to get together with friends and family, eat good food, and spend some time appreciating nature. Sometimes it’s just being alone and baking something, sitting in nature, or going on a walk.
I don’t have a favorite seasonal holiday, because I welcome each one and the change it brings. By summer solstice, I am ready for the abundance of the garden. By autumn equinox I am ready for rest and pumpkin and spice treats. By winter solstice, I am ready for rest. By spring equinox I am ready for warmth and new growth.
What is the spring equinox?
In the northern hemisphere, Spring Equinox is the day of the year when the day and night are (almost exactly) the same length of time. This marks the point from which the days will only get longer until Autumn Equinox. It is also the official first day of spring! Many cultures celebrate this day, including the European tradition of Ostara (where Easter has its pre-Christian roots), the Indian festival of Holi, Shunbun No Hi in Japan, Vernal Equinox at the ancient pyramids in Teotihuacan, and more. Each of these celebrations have something in common: celebrating the return of spring and the sun. Many include colorful decorations, family and friends gathering together with seasonal foods and fire as well.
By this time, hens are back in the swing of egg-laying (and starting to hatch some of those eggs), woodland creatures begin to emerge from winter hibernation, birds begin constructing their nests, and plants come back to life before our eyes. For our ancestors, this time of the year didn’t just symbolize new life, it marked the end of scraping by on the winter’s storage and the beginning of an abundance of fresh foods: meat, milk, vegetables, and herbs. In the tradition of Ostara, there is a lot of fertility symbolism such as eggs, rabbits, and spring flowers. Of course eggs and rabbits symbolize fertility and abundance: eggs are potential for new life and rabbits are among the most prolific breeders in the animal kingdom. This ancient symbolism has made its way into modern rituals through Easter bunnies and eggs. Of course, these traditions often feel completely commercialized (Peeps candy, plastic eggs with money and candy inside, chocolate bunnies, easter baskets, etc.) in popular culture, but they don’t have to be! There are plenty of ways you can celebrate the return of spring without spending a dime.
Ways to Celebrate
Forage spring herbs. By March 20th, there are at least a few, if not many, herbs to forage. I recently wrote about a few, including wild onions, violets, and dandelions. Depending on where you are, you may also find purple dead nettle, stinging nettle, garlic mustard, lamb’s quarter, shepherd’s purse, chickweed, garlic ramps, fiddlehead ferns, and more.
Bake! My favorite thing to do with foraged herbs is to bake them into bread. I recently made an unleavened bread with wild onions, and I plan on making this recipe again but adding more herbs now that they’re coming up! We’ve found a lot of shepherd’s purse which has a mild peppery flavor, so I’m excited to try adding that to the mix. Some traditional recipes also include hot cross buns and things like lavender & lemon shortbread.
Spring Cleaning your place gives you a fresh start and a chance to open up some windows to air out the stagnant winter air.
Have a bonfire with friends to celebrate the return of the sun. Fire is a symbol that has been used throughout the ages to indicate the sun.
Planting seeds for your garden is, in my opinion, the best way to celebrate spring. By March 20th, you should be able to start seeds for plants like most herbs, brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, etc.), and definitely some greens like lettuces and spinach. Depending on where you live, you may need to start these indoors by a big window or under grow lights, but giving your plants a head start early in spring can give you a leg up on your harvest.
Have a nature walk, taking note of new signs of life. In the forest and field here it feels like I notice new plants growing each time I take a walk. The ferns are popping up under the trees and near mossy rocks, spring herbs are growing rampant at this point, grasses are getting greener, and early spring flowers like grape hyacinth and Virginia beauties are blooming.
My favorite way to celebrate is to be in nature with friends and eat good food. This year we’re celebrating with friends by having a hike in the woods, a potluck feast, and herbal cocktails by the bonfire (and I can’t wait!). However you celebrate the spring equinox, remember to be present and appreciate this time of year for what it brings. Some days are still dark and dreary, but each day brings us closer to the warm, sunny days ahead.
I’d love to hear how you celebrate the return of spring and what your plans are this year!
Thank you for being here.
Until next time,
Allyson
So nice to see the greenery emerging! We're still covered in snow.