When the sun shines almost directly on the equator on 20th March, we know Spring has arrived. However, we can get our first glimpse of sunny, warm weather and the awakening of nature already by the end of February. Suddenly, the air becomes filled with the joyful chirping of birds and tiny green sprouts appear in the earth. The seasons separating winter and summer appear significantly shorter in the moderate climate of the Netherlands, but that gives more reasons to appreciate them when they arrive!
“This outward spring and garden are a reflection of the inward garden”
- Rumi
The arrival of spring has been celebrated as long as humanity exists. The symbol of rebirth and fertility, spring is the messenger of hope and new beginnings. The ancient Egyptians celebrated the Festival of Isis during this period and the return of life to the world. The date of the festivity was marked by the rising of the Nile, when supposedly Isis mourned over the death of her lover and shed tears into the water.
Let’s not forget the Pagan and Wiccan traditions. Here, nature and its elements were the main points of worship and during Ostara (one of the 8 sabbats) people celebrated rebirth, fertility and the ritual of sowing new seeds. They worshipped the Spring Maiden and Horned God. She is Ostara, the goddess of dawn looking over the fertility of the earth. While Pan, often mistook for the Christian devil, is the patron of spring enjoyment of hunting and dancing.
Now, hunting is not something we favor. However, in those times food resources were much more scarce so people had little choice, but to eat meat.
It was also popular to perform rituals manifesting an abundant year of harvest. For example, in Slavic tradition, until today people build dolls from straw (a kind of scarecrow) and parade with them around the village, in Russian it is called a “Morena”. In Poland, a similar scarecrow is built “Marzanna”, she is burnt and drowned in the river. She symbolizes the pagan goddess associated with winter, plague, and death.
Another famous celebration is the Swedish Valborg when the Swedes burn a huge bonfire and sing songs. Valpurgis Eve is also a celebration existing since the Vikings themselves. The fires, apart from rising the heat a notch, were originally burnt to scare off witches and evil spirits. Yep, you’re right. A lot of talk about witches in many of these folk traditions.
How are you going to celebrate spring this year?
1) Plant some seeds in your garden or on your balcony as soon as spring arrives in March. If you wish to decorate your surroundings with colorful flowers, then go for:
Crocuses
Daffodils
Hyacinths
Pansies or violas
2) It’s a great time to start growing your veggie patch. The moment you’ve been waiting for the whole year. As soon as the frost is gone, you can grow your own salad ingredients. Decide on which vegetables you wish to grow depending on the space you have. Whether it’s a garden or just a container on your balcony.
Since most Amsterdammers live in apartments with either a balcony or at most, a small patio at the back, we suggest the following greens:
Tomatoes
Green beans
Cucumbers
Peppers
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Peas
Spinach
You can find inspiration on how to set up your own balcony container by watching this video:
3) Connect truly and deeply with nature. Go and sit outside, preferably under a tree and meditate. Really try to connect with your surroundings and focus on your breathing. Keep your senses awake to any messages Mother Nature may want to give you.
4) Prepare a feast celebrating the fertility of nature. Perhaps a green salad with seasonal veggies, and turn eating into a meditation. Thank Mother Nature for her gifts and chew mindfully, really focusing on the nutrients your body absorbs and letting the gratitude flow through your body. You will be amazed how quickly you will become full and which flavours you will discover.
5) Set up a Pagan/Wiccan alter – actually, the setting is a bit similar to a regular Easter colour palette. Decorate your alter with spring flowers, eggs and objects symbolizing rebirth, as well as those symbolizing polarity and harmony. The latter is relevant because spring represents the time of the year when there is almost equal daylight and night-time.
While creating this sacred arrangement of objects, think about which “new beginnings” you would like to bring into the new year.
You can also include some statues of seasonal deities – Herne, Flora, Gaia and Attis, or… gemstones and crystals, such as rose quartz and moonstone.
6) Go for a walk. Do it: cycle to a destination away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even if it’s just to the Amsterdamse Bos. Walk mindfully and be in the moment. Listen to the sounds of life around you, and admire the nature. Really take your time.
We are certain you can come up with even more ways of celebrating this beautiful, new season. Think: new beginnings, sowing seeds, nature. Perhaps there is something your soul has been yearning for until now. Now is the time to manifest whatever you desire. A whole year of opportunities lays ahead!
- Written by Michelle Prygiel
