Welcoming Spring Equinox: A Global Celebration
On the equinoxes, day and night come into rare balance and the days grow longer. This is a great opportunity to reflect upon the larger cycles of growth and nature; to recognize the importance of planting and nurturing our inner and outer gardens.
Cultures around the world structure their festivals and celebrations to meet the Equinox. The holidays of Easter, Ostara, Alban Eiler, and Passover are all celebrated on or near the first full moon after the spring equinox.
In parts of Asia, this is the holiday called Vesak, the celebration of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Offerings of flowers, candles, and incense are laid at the feet of the teacher and Devotees are encouraged to eat only vegetarian foods.
In Sri Lanka there is a ceremony during which birds and other captive animals are released as a symbolic act of liberation for all beings. It is a time to bring happiness to the unfortunate, the aged, handicapped, and sick, and to perform other acts of service.
Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is also observed on the spring equinox. It marks the first month of the Iranian solar calendar. People prepare for the celebration with a major spring cleaning of their homes. Tulips and hyacinth are used to adorn the newly cleansed space. Short visits to loved ones occur; young people will visit seniors in the early hours, and the older generation reciprocates as the day draws on. A table is set with ornaments relating to fire, earth, air, and water, as well as to humans, animals, and plants.
Marking the Spring Equinox with a Personal Writing Ritual:
Take a single sheet of paper, representative of this transitional day. One side will represent night and our winter passing; the other will represent daylight and spring. On the “winter” side of the paper, reflect upon that which has passed. Descend into your inner underworld. What has your winter been? What, or who, would you let go of? What do these things look like, smell like? How do they behave? Write a eulogy to your departing winter. On the day side, imagine the spring to come. What are your intentions this spring? What seeds will you plant? What will you nurture and tend for the coming harvest? Again, interpret how you will; but on this side envision what your personal spring might be.
Other Things to do on the Spring Equinox:
Planting: There is no better way to welcome back the bloom of life than to invite it with your own hand. Cultivate your existing garden or, if you’ve been hesitant, use the equinox as your excuse to finally begin your community of indoor plants.
Picnicking: Get out into nature, and notice how life is returning. Hike or wander with that mindful awareness, and reward yourself and your loved ones with a sumptuous picnic.
AND OF COURSE.... Playing! In whatever way you can imagine.
Happy SPRING!
Your Rosebud Woman Team
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