It’s April and that means spring has begun again. The days are getting longer, birds are chirping, the sun is shining again, and nature is blooming again. There are several ways to celebrate spring at its best. One such way is the ritual of the blossom of the Sakura tree in Japan.
Blossom represents spring, new beginnings, and growth. But the Sakura blossom in Japan has an additional meaning. This blossom represents a life that is out of our control. Some blossoms will shine for a shorter time than others, so we must enjoy the blooming period to the fullest. This blooming period is therefore celebrated with the Hanami ceremony. During this ceremony in Japan, people celebrate the beauty of the Sakura blossoms by picnicking under the blossoms.
In addition, the Ostara nature festival is celebrated. This occurs on the date when the day and night are the same lengths, which this year was March 20. This feast represents balance and spring that may be celebrated. Ostara is the goddess of spring. She brings sunshine, creative power, creativity, and the hope of new life and new developments. After the Ostara nature festival, the days last longer than the nights, and thus spring has officially begun.
Another more familiar way to celebrate the beginning of spring is spring cleaning. People once again start cleaning their homes thoroughly from head to toe, room by room. Closets are also cleaned out and thick sweaters and coats disappear into drawers. Making your house spic and span again is not only good for your physical, but also for your mental health. After all, a tidy house also brings peace of mind.
Finally, everyone is celebrating spring by getting out and about again. Sitting inside becomes less and less attractive and the fresh air outside attracts. In addition to the smell of flowers in bloom, the scent of sunburn will be present as the Netherlands steps out into the sun again. There is a lot of cycling again, walkers are plentiful in forests and parks, and the students of the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences are increasingly walking around the Uithof. As a result, it is becoming increasingly cozy outside.
Because of the start of spring, the new flowering period, and its associated traditions, our new monthly theme is also Celebrate Spring! Or in other words, celebrate life!
By Noa Meerwijk
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