First day of spring celebrations around the world

Out of all four seasons, spring is one of the longest. This can come as a surprise, since winter usually seems never-ending, but the time to celebrate spring is coming before you know it. The first day of spring offers many gifts and symbolizes a period of regrowth and rebirth. Around the world, there are many different ways of celebrating this season. Read on for our list of ten spring equinox rituals and traditions in ten different places.

1. First day of spring in Japan

Buddhists in Japan participate in a week-long celebration called Higan, which literally translated means "to arrive on the other shore." Beginning on the first day of spring, people use this time for meditation and self-reflection. The "other shore" refers to Nirvana, the end goal of Buddhist practices where total enlightenment is achieved and the cycle of reincarnation ends. During Higan, the Japanese reflect on their paths toward Nirvana and also use the week to honor their ancestors, especially the ones who have passed recently.

2. Bali's Spring Equinox celebration

On the day of the dark moon following the Spring Equinox, Bali's Hindu calendar begins and they mark the day with a celebration called Nyepi. This day is part of a few different days of religious significance that are meant to restore the balance of nature. Three days before Nyepi, every statue of the gods is taken to the river and cleansed on the ritual day known as Melasti. Then, on the day before Nyepi, an exorcism takes place called Tawur Kesanga where people wear and remove masks to symbolize getting rid of evil spirits. Nyepi is the day of rest that follows the Spring Equinox rituals and traditions in Bali.

3. First day of spring in England

One of England's first day of spring celebrations takes place at Stonehenge. Pagans, Wiccans, and Druids all gather right before dawn on March 20 in order to watch the sunrise. This celebration, called Ostara, is accompanied by playing ancient instruments as well as drinking burdock and dandelions, which is said to cleanse the blood.

4. Persian Spring Equinox rituals and traditions

Beginning on the first day of the spring equinox, persians celebrate the season with a festival called Nowruz. The celebration is rooted in the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism. It lasts a fortnight and celebrates rebirth. Nowruz starts the new year. On the first day of the Spring Equinox celebration, the Persians prepare a table of food and spring flowers called the Haft-Seen table. This table spread is said to symbolize rebirth, health, prosperity, patience, and beauty.

5. Bosnia's first day of spring

Bosnia celebrates the first day of spring with a festival called Cimburijada, or "festival of the scrambled eggs." The celebration takes place in the town of Zenica and begins right at dawn near the Bosna river. During Cimburijada, the people gather and share a large meal of scrambled eggs while having drinks and listening to music together. The first day of spring is celebrated between family, visitors, and friends.

6. China's Spring Equinox

In China, the first day of spring is celebrated with the Qingming Festival. Also known as the Pure Brightness Festival, the celebration takes place every year on April 4th-6th. Qingming recognizes the changing of the seasons and is used as a time to honor one's ancestors. The Chinese clean and sweep tombs, filling them with flowers and decorations as a show of respect. They also burn paper money and incense for offerings before the graves. The Chinese people also celebrate Qingming by flying kites and planting trees. At night, the kites are adorned with lanterns for an especially beauteous celebratory display.

7. Spring Equinox rituals and traditions in America

Spring is coming earlier in the U.S. every year. Many Americans celebrate the first day of spring according to the Christian doctrine, which recognizes the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The first Sunday after the full moon following the Spring Equinox is Easter Sunday. Many who observe this holiday have a period of fasting called Lent that lasts 40 days and finishes on Easter. The 40 days is meant to coincide with Christ's time spent in the desert. On Easter Sunday, a service takes place before sunrise where a candle is lit to symbolize Christ. This candle is then used to light all the other candles at the service. This Christian holiday also borrows many Pagan traditions that symbolize fertility, such as hiding eggs that are boiled and decorated.

8. Mexico's first day of spring

One of the biggest Spring Equinox celebrations in Mexico takes place at the Teotihuacán Pyramid, which is about 30 miles from Mexico City. Thousands of people wear white and gather to celebrate the first day of spring. The ritual takes place on either March 20th or March 21st. Many take the time to climb the 360 steps of the great pyramid, allowing themselves to get closer to portals of energy. As the sun becomes stronger, the people open their arms wide and embrace the warmth of the sun. These spring equinox rituals and celebrations are said to help them gather energy to grow and prosper throughout the year.

9. Spring Equinox celebration in Australia

Australia celebrates the first day of spring with an enormous floral festival called Floriade, which means "to design with flowers". The celebration spans over 30 days, using spectacular displays of flowers to celebrate the first day of spring. The heart of the celebration takes place in Canberra and is surrounded by nighttime festivals, shows, and displays. You can even take a trip in a hot air balloon to witness all the beauty the celebration has to offer.

10. Thailand's spring equinox celebration

Thailand celebrates the first day of spring with the annual Songkran Water Festival. The word "songkran" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "astrological passage." The Songkran Water Festival takes place right after the spring equinox and is Thailand's version of New Year's Day. People gather around Chiang Mai for a variety of spring equinox rituals and traditions, including throwing water, walking to a Buddhist monastery, and visiting elders.

Get ready for the spring!

Spring's annual thaw is a beautiful occasion that draws many different celebrations from all around the world. No matter your religion or your location, there are so many different reasons to embrace the season. Now that you know some of the most popular first day of spring celebrations, start planning your own today!

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