It was one of those March dayswhen the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:
when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
~Charles Dickens~
We went for a walk in the woods to escape the bitterly cold wind that swept across the open fields. The north side of the bush was snow covered and icy, but the south side was bare. Slick mud covered our boots as well as the dog's feet and made walking even more treacherous than the ice. In a few weeks the forest floor here will be covered with trilliums but, hard as I looked, there was little evidence of anything growing above the ground except for some green moss on a fallen logs.
Today marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere. The sun will rise here approximately at 7:30 AM and set at 7:30 PM with our early switch to daylight savings time. Many ancient cultures celebrated the New Year on this first day of Spring. The Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox is set as the date for Easter in the western tradition. (Orthodox churches follow the Jewish lunar calendar and their Easter celebrations coincide with Passover).
I look forward to the lengthening days between today and the June solstice, evenings to sit outdoors, take a walk, or putter around the garden. I love to have the windows open, especially at night and to be awakened by the singing birds.
Happy Spring to all!
Today marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere. The sun will rise here approximately at 7:30 AM and set at 7:30 PM with our early switch to daylight savings time. Many ancient cultures celebrated the New Year on this first day of Spring. The Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox is set as the date for Easter in the western tradition. (Orthodox churches follow the Jewish lunar calendar and their Easter celebrations coincide with Passover).
I look forward to the lengthening days between today and the June solstice, evenings to sit outdoors, take a walk, or putter around the garden. I love to have the windows open, especially at night and to be awakened by the singing birds.
Happy Spring to all!
Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
Christ is risen.
Thomas Blackburn
An Easter Hymn
An Easter Hymn
Ah, spring! Walking my dog this morning, I observed robins pulling earthworms from the ground, for the first time this year. I have seen robins before today, but not feeding.
ReplyDeleteSpring is here! The air, though cold, has that moist feel that augurs spring.
I am curious--to what tune is that hymn sung?
Yes, the first day of Spring is here! And it actually feels like it today too. Or as those on my spiritual path would say, Blessed Oestara to my blessed aunt! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the Dickens quote - so perfectly true!
ReplyDeleteThe Dickens' poem describes March so well. I am so glad to acknowledge the warm sun even though those winds are a killer!
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was just over visiting Jaspenelle blog and thought I would visit your blog and wish you a happy spring.
ReplyDeleteYou've got me in the spring frame of mind again, even though the ground is still covered with snow around here. I like the quote too.
ReplyDeleteKGMom- The robins may get a worm here by next week. I could find no music to match the poem/hymn, but I am still looking.
ReplyDeleteJaspenelle- Thank you- you are special too.
Laura and Mary-
The Dickens quote has described the past few days perfectly. We have had bitterly cold winds, but the sun is warm.
Susan- The pics on your blog give me hope the spring weather is not far away.
Peppylady- A happy season to you too!
Larry- We still have lots of snow too. I was hoping it would be gone by today, but we got more last week. I was up to my ankles in mud yesterday though looking for red winged blackbirds!