Every year around this time, I often get strange looks and reactions of surprise or curiosity from people when I say 'Happy Spring Equinox!', because it's not perhaps the most commonly celebrated occasion of the year. Some may not be familiar with the term or its significance in marking the start of spring - rejuvenating, brighter, warmer days and as a Swedish person, the end of the long, cold and dark winter is definitely worth celebrating!
This celebration of the return of light is deeply ingrained in my Swedish culture and traditions, and we have festivals and customs marking the occasion even until end of April, when we light bonfires on Walpurgis night - it's a lovely social time with friends, family and the wider community.
Most Scandinavians feel a strong connection to nature and ever since childhood the changing seasons and the Wheel of the Year have played a significant role in my life, and when I've lived in places with fewer seasonal changes, I have really missed the uniquness of each seaon. The spring equinox represents the renewal of nature, as plants begin to bloom, animals emerge from hibernation, and the landscape transforms from a blanket of snow to vibrant greenery. It's a time when many of us eagerly embrace outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, and simply enjoying the beauty of their surroundings, not to mention how lovely it is to be able to do outdoor yoga without hat, mittens and fleece leggings...
And let's face it as cosy as it is with jumpers, fires and hot chocolate, the arrival of spring brings not only physical changes to the environment but also has a positive impact on mental health and well-being for all of us with the increased sunlight and milder temperatures - spirits are lifted and energy levels boosted!
That's probably the part I enjoy and embrace the most - the sense of hope and renewal. It's a reminder that even during the darkest and coldest times, there is always the promise of brighter days ahead. As the earth awakens from its winter slumber and bursts forth with new life, it's time for us to do the same... time to pursue goals, new adventures and opportunities, making plans laid during winter come to fruition.
There are so many aspects of the first day of Spring that are worth celebrating - cultural traditions, enjoying the beauty of nature, or simply relishing the arrival of warmer weather, but most poignantly the spring equinox serves is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring spirit of resilience.
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