Spring Doesn't Have Just One Start Date | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Spring Doesn't Have Just One Start Date

It actually has another starting day that you might have not heard of!

93
Spring Doesn't Have Just One Start Date
Wikimedia Commons

If it's mid-March and you are still wearing a winter jacket to go out, I have good news for you, spring is officially here.

Although we may not feel it yet through the temperature, the fact that the season is here will give us more daylight, later sunsets and colorful blossoming flowers. Slowly but surely.

And is March 20th the official start of spring or was it on the first of this month?

There are actually two ways to determine the start of the seasons: astronomical and meteorological.

According to the meteorological method, spring has already started!

This system stems from the temperature cycle and the atmosphere's state. It also goes along with the seasons of the year, forming four seasons with three months each, such as Spring: March, April and May.

In other words, based on the meteorological method, Spring began on March 1 and will end on May 31.

On the other hand, the first day of spring, also referred to as vernal equinox, starts on March 20 and ends on June 21 based on the astronomical system.

This system is based on where the Earth's orbit is at in connection with the sun. The method also considers solstices, which are the longest and shortest days, and equinoxes, which refers to the same amount of daylight and darkness in a day.

Therefore, March 20 marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, while, in the southern hemisphere, this day will be beginning of the season of autumn (autumnal equinox.)

The vernal equinox is celebrated in many ways in different cultures.

For example, in Mexico, people visit the pyramids in Teotihuacan and Chichen Itzá to receive the season. It is believed that indigenous cultures realized rituals to receive the sun's energy. Therefore, visitors dress in white to get energy from the sun.

Mayans and Mexicas held incredible astronomical knowledge. Proof of this is during the vernal equinox in the Kukulkán temple in Chichen Itzá. The shadow of a snake is formed with the sunlight, which is to bring tribute to their ancient god Quetzalcóatl.

You've perhaps also heard that during vernal equinox you can stand a raw egg due to Earth's position with the sun, but sorry to disappoint you, this is false. With a lot of time and focus, you can try this any other day of the year. What actually is true is that nature will be more alive than ever!

It is said that on this day, more worms come out from the earth; therefore its name of "Full Moon Worm" for March's full moon.

March is also the ideal month to plant. Trees and flowers are sensitive to temperature, so with the sunny days and gorgeous weather coming up, you might want to start planting your favorites.

Do you enjoy listening to birds sing? Well, thanks to the boost of sunlight, birds sing even more. And you might see these, and butterflies, more often in the sky since they migrate to the north.

So start planting your favorite flowers, take advantage of the increase in daylight and enjoy the sunny days that this amazing season offers!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

125
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

886
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3636
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17799
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments