The first day of spring is one thing,
and the first spring day is another.
The difference between them is
sometimes as great as a month.
and the first spring day is another.
The difference between them is
sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van Dyke
(1852 - 1933)
Fisherman's Luck (1899)
- - - - -
March 20, 2007, is a date that most of us recognize as symbolic of changing seasons. As we welcome spring, people south of the equator are actually gearing up for the cooler temperatures of autumn.
Modern astronomy aside, people have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years. There is no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. The date is significant in Christianity because Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. It is also probably no coincidence that early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of the vernal equinox.
The first day of spring also marks the beginning of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The celebration lasts 13 days and is rooted in the 3,000-year-old tradition of Zorastrianism.
14 comments:
Welcome to spring indeed! I guess we'll do the tubing thing next year, right?
My thoughts exactly, however, it's never too late for cheese fondue in early Spring!
Oh my - that picture is so precious. I love it. This year is already flying by, Spring is here. mmm, cheese fondue sounds delicious.
it's the only day - other than the autumnal equinox - where I can balance an egg on it's end...
love the pic
Yippee!!
That kitty is just too cute, Lannio. As Sindy says, spring is sprung ;-)
mind you, with the bitter wonds we've been having these last few days, it doesn't really feel like spring yet. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words on my blog, dear. the 20th has a different meaning for me and I was touched that you remembered. You are wonderfully kind and perceptive xxx
Winds...I mean winds, not wonds! ;-)
it snowed here on the first day of spring...interesting post..i've got my gypsy towers video up now..yay!..
Awwwwh what a cute kitten pic! Spring indeed and dont you just love it :) My favourite time of year, the opressive winter receeding and making way for new daffs and crocuses :)
Never mind Gyppo and Alfies jodphurs Lanni, come see project mayhem instead lol ;)
Ahh, spring...makes you want to take a running leap like your adorable picture!
Every time I see this kitty I smile. What a sweetie!
Hope your spring is really springing, Lesley!
Awww! Where did you find that little kitten?? It's such an adorable picture :-)
I am so overjoyed about the coming of spring. The days are getting longer and longer and warmer, and there is so much joy. Of course, THIS particular spring has added meaning to me what with getting the PhD done.
Maria
Hi Lesley!
Hope all is well with you.
I've popped something in the snail-mail for you...
Thanks!
Love
Dale
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