Spring
"Spring does not come when we want, it comes when the sun, with the fiery tips of its rays, manages to make the first hole in the gray blanket of the sky embroidered with clouds, under which the things of the earth sleep all winter. "
"Spring does not come when we want, it comes when the sun, with the fiery tips of its rays, manages to make the first hole in the gray blanket of the sky embroidered with clouds, under which the things of the earth sleep all winter. "This is the beginning of the book" Bandiera "by Mario Lodi. In 325 AD the Council of Nicaea established as the starting date of Spring for 21 March, when astrologically the Sun enters the sign of Aries. In reality, however, every year the Spring Equinox does not occur on the same date, since the real date of the equinoxes, like the solstices, is dictated by the revolution of the Earth. So perhaps it is appropriate to agree with Mario Lodi. What is certain, however, is that the traditions linked to the beginning of Spring are innumerable.
Spring through the centuries
Men have always linked holidays to the transition from one season to another. The most celebrated and felt was the Spring Equinox. This is because the relationship with the land has always been important for man and Spring represents the emblem of this bond. The earth comes back to life, melts from the cold of winter and brings with it hope, light and the desire to start over. If you look at astrology, even if it is not the sign of the first month of the year, it is Aries that starts the Zodiac.
Spring celebrations even date back to ancient Mesopotamia, where the New Year's party was held to celebrate the God Marduk. In ancient Egypt, on the other hand, there are historical finds dating back to 4.700 years ago, which testify to the spring celebrations linked to Shal El Nessim. During the Greek and Roman period there were many celebrations linked to this period of the year, considered so important that it coincided with the beginning of the new year. According to Greek mythology in spring Persephone can return from the Underworld to visit her mother and the earth celebrates by germinating and blooming. Many traditions of the time are addressed to her as well as to the god Dionysus.
How Spring is celebrated in Italy and Tuscany
To commemorate the arrival of the new summer in Italy, the tradition of the "Bonfires of San Giuseppe" is still alive. On this occasion, a puppet with the appearance of an "old woman" is prepared with the brushwood, which is then burned. The ritual indicates the end of winter and the beginning of a new cycle of life. In some parts of Italy, the "old" is always made, but it is made of cloth and filled with food, as a symbol of abundance. In Tuscany, especially in Pisa and Florence, the memory linked to the beginning of the year coinciding with the arrival of Spring is still alive. In fact, in these cities, the New Year is celebrated on March 25th. The New Year celebrations are still very much felt and are accompanied every year by historical re-enactments, with dances, music and period costumes. In these lands, however, Spring is not remembered and celebrated only on its first day, but throughout its duration, especially in the month of May, accompanied by numerous folkloric festivals and festivals.
Spring for the rest of the world
Spring is celebrated all over the world. Hindus have the Festival of colors, which recalls the victory of good over evil and during which every man is equally important. Tradition, linked to the legends of the god Krishna, wants couples to paint each other's faces as a sign of affection. In Japan, on the other hand, the traditions linked to this particular moment are innumerable. Most of these, however, are related to flowers, especially cherry blossoms. In Spain it is believed that on the night of the equinox small fairies, capable of communicating with all the elements of nature, crowd the hills of the state with parties distributing rose petals. The life of those who manage to find the fairy petal will be happy.