It's Officially Spring!
Welcoming the Vernal Equinox
Oh to be by the coast with puffins and thrift in bloom…spring really feels amazing in this scenario, but I welcome it here at home too - even though it is rainy and dull today. The garden is really awake now with blossom, new leaves and seeds sprouting in the greenhouse, I noticed a few kale seedlings popping their heads up yesterday so other plants will follow on soon which makes me incredibly happy!
Today - 20th March - is the 2024 vernal (spring) equinox, specifically at 3.06am, when the sun’s crossing above the equator from south to north marks the official start of spring here in the northern hemisphere, and the beginning of autumn in the southern hemisphere. At the equinox the two hemispheres of our planet receive the sun’s rays equally meaning night and day are practically the same length, soon the balance will be tipped in the north resulting in longer days, shorter nights and hopefully warmer conditions to boot.
In the pagan calendar and by those of us who follow nature as a ‘religion’ the spring equinox marks a period of rebirth, resurrection and renewal - whether that be in the garden, nature in general or in ourselves. The natural world seems to get a burst of energy from the strengthening sun, the sighting of ‘mad March hares’ boxing in the fields is a fabulous example. Now is a good a time as any to reevaluate our lives, goals, purpose and intentions with the inspiration of the natural world bursting forth for a new season.
There are traditions and folklore the world over for spring celebrations, I like the Ancient Egyptian lore of Osiris whose soul was said to rest in his tomb all winter before rising at the spring equinox. Osiris was King of the dead and Lord of the underworld, but by being a resurrected God, he represented light and renewal, he was also god of vegetation - usually depicted with green skin, the Egyptians would create ‘Osiris gardens’ formed from a wooden frame planted with barley seeds which when sprouting represented new life. These planted beds have been found by archaeologists in burial chambers and tombs.
So enjoy the new season folks, I will be heading to the greenhouse to shelter from the rain later…its better than spring cleaning!