Welcoming Spring: A Season for Art, Growth & Celebration Around The World
---------- Ancient & Global Springtime Traditions ----------
Persia – Nowruz: The Persian New Year
For over 3,000 years, Persians have celebrated Nowruz, which translates to “New Day.” Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz marks the arrival of spring with fire-jumping ceremonies, deep house cleaning, and a beautifully arranged Haft-Seen table—a collection of seven symbolic items representing renewal, health, and prosperity. This festival remains one of the most significant celebrations in Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia.
Mexico – The Equinox at Chichen Itza
The ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations were deeply in tune with the celestial cycles, and their temples were built to reflect astronomical events. At Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Temple of Kukulkan—also known as El Castillo—features a stunning equinox phenomenon. As the sun sets on the first day of spring, it casts shadows that form the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s steps, an homage to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan. Thousands gather to witness this breathtaking event each year.
Japan – Shunbun no Hi & Cherry Blossom Festivals
In Japan, the spring equinox, or Shunbun no Hi, is a national holiday rooted in both Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Families often visit ancestral graves to pay respects, while many also take time to reflect on nature and new beginnings. Around the same time, cherry blossom festivals (Hanami) begin, where people flock to parks and gardens to marvel at the short-lived beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms), often celebrating with picnics, poetry, and art.
United Kingdom – Stonehenge & Druids’ Celebration
At Stonehenge, the arrival of spring is marked by gatherings of modern-day Druids and Pagans who celebrate the balance between light and dark. The ancient Celts and other pre-Christian cultures in Britain honored the equinox as a time of fertility and renewal, welcoming the season with feasts and ceremonies tied to Ostara, a festival thought to have inspired modern Easter traditions.
India – Vasant Panchami & Holi
Before Holi, the famous festival of colors, India celebrates Vasant Panchami, dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, arts, and learning. People wear yellow, symbolizing energy and prosperity, and offer prayers for a fruitful and creative year ahead. Holi, which typically falls near the first day of spring, is a joyous event where people throw vibrant powders, dance, and embrace the changing season.
---------- Springtime in American History ----------
While the United States doesn’t have an ancient cultural tie to the spring equinox, various customs have developed over time, blending old traditions with modern celebrations.
Early American Planting Traditions
For many early settlers, the first day of spring was a practical milestone—the time to prepare the land for planting. Indigenous peoples and early European settlers followed natural cycles, celebrating the shift in seasons with feasts and agricultural festivals.
The White House Easter Egg Roll
Dating back to 1878, the White House Easter Egg Roll has become one of America’s most beloved spring traditions. Originally held on the U.S. Capitol lawn, children would gather to roll eggs down the hill in a symbolic nod to new life and renewal. Today, the event includes live music, storytelling, and, of course, plenty of egg rolling on the White House South Lawn.
Spring Cleaning: A Seasonal Reset
The concept of spring cleaning has roots in multiple cultures, including Jewish, Persian, and Chinese traditions, but it became especially popular in 19th-century America, when homes were cleared of winter soot and dust as warmer weather arrived. Today, spring cleaning represents a fresh start, encouraging people to declutter, refresh their space, and embrace the new season.
The Start of Baseball Season
Nothing says “spring” in America quite like Opening Day of baseball season! Often beginning in late March or early April, baseball has long been associated with the changing seasons, representing renewal, excitement, and the return of outdoor activities.
Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
Inspired by Japan’s cherry blossom festivals, Washington, D.C.’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the beauty of spring with parades, cultural performances, and stunning displays of pink and white blossoms. The festival, which honors Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the U.S. in 1912, draws visitors from across the country every year.
---------- Welcoming Spring: A Season for Art, Growth & Celebration ----------
No matter where you are in the world, the arrival of spring is a time of joy, renewal, and artistic inspiration. Whether through colorful festivals, planting traditions, or simple outdoor gatherings, this season encourages us to embrace change, celebrate creativity, and enjoy the beauty of the natural world.
As March 20th approaches, how will you welcome the new season? Perhaps by starting a creative project, refreshing your home, or enjoying the longer, sunnier days? However you celebrate, take a moment to appreciate the magic of spring.
Make The Photo Above A Part Of Your Spring Sights!
Ferdinand Street Boat Launch, Springtime
cherry blossom viewing spot in Seattle. Observe and feel the beauty of do some our beloved Washington State in spring!
Ferdinand Street Boat Launch is a nice small park to have much fun with your family or behold nature in solitude. Explore this unique vacation destination.
Ferdinand Street Boat Launch is one of the beautiful spots along the shores of Lake Washington Boulevard in Seattle. It’s truly amazing like everything in Seattle! There are wood benches, clean and well maintained walking and biking paths along the lake and a parking zone. It’s a very short walk to the lake from your car. It’s really a great place for kids or have a picnic with the whole family.
https://beau...t-launch.html