How the World Celebrates Spring
As spring marks its beginning, countless celebrations begin to unfold, bringing in seasonal spirit across the globe. Many cultures from all different parts of the world have adopted influential holidays throughout the season which serve meaningful purposes for spring’s awakening.
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Easter itself isn’t a linear celebration. Many countries have brought their own cultural fusion of spring through food-related traditions, fun-filled activities and cherished festivals. Butter lambs in Eastern Europe is one of many synthesized traditions. This features a unique sculpture of a lamb made from butter, propped on a ladle plate. Another tradition that is widely idolized is Australia’s famous Chocolate Bilby. The Chocolate Bilby is their national honoree during Easter. Originally, the mascot was a bunny, but they changed this to honor the habitat of bilbies that resided in the region. In Iran, they have a dinner gathering called Nowruz, meaning “new day,” which represents ideas of rebirth and renewal for the coming of a special banquet. This banquet is prepared on the table spread called the haftseen which includes Persian dishes like the samanu which is a dessert pudding, and the sumac which is a Persian spice. All these food-related traditions have been unified with the meaning of the arrival of new coming, in synchronicity within spring.
Not only does spring indulgence forecast food as the main event, but festivals are hosted in huge events and gatherings in South Asia. Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is celebrated in India. This is where people clamor and participate being covered in vibrant colors of powder, referred to as the gulal, and participating in fun activities like music, dancing and decadent treats. The Songkran festival in Thailand has a similar aspect of gathering around the street, surrounded by water being thrown from buckets and balloons. The arrival of spring is synonymous with the humid heat, and Songkran is symbolic of combating it. The Spring Equinox in Mexico is viewed from Tenochtitlan, and has attracted people to visit and watch the sun’s peak at the pyramid. Viewers wear white when going up the pyramid, believing the idea that it brings in good energy. Another celebration that is similar to Easter is the Flower Parade of the Bollenstreek in Holland which has large, spotlighted floats such as ducks made from an assortment of seasonal tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and more.
There is an endless list of spring traditions across the globe that have had significance in spreading the spirit of spring time. These rituals have tied back the cultural connections that people cherish and dedicate to leaning onto for this special occasion.
