March Welcomes the Vernal Equinox
/“Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!””
Celebrating the arrival of March heralds the upcoming Vernal Equinox on Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024. The promise of warmer and sunnier days ahead fills the air, as it does each year during this season. The age-old proverb "If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb" continues to hold true, adding an element of anticipation to the changing weather patterns.
This year, let's embrace the Vernal Equinox festival traditions from various corners of the globe. Each tradition brings its own unique charm and significance, offering a wonderful opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate diversity. As we come together to mark this special occasion, let's create cherished memories with loved ones, symbolizing the welcoming of the Vernal Equinox and all the new beginnings it represents.
USA: Visit a Local Farm
We are surrounded by farms in the Bay Area so Harvest Time is an exceptionally fun time. Farms are flourishing with an abundance of goodies. Enjoy the seasons bounty. Cheesavores delight with a trip along the Cheese Trail or discover a local farming gem along the Sonoma County Farm Trails.
Christianity: Easter
Easter is a celebration of hope and new life that we look forward to each spring! And of course, it's always a joy to watch a crowd of children eagerly hunting for Easter eggs. Here are some ways you can celebrate Easter with your family.
Pagan: Make a Miniature Greenhouse
Celebrate the Pagan rituals of Ostara by getting your seedlings started for your summer bounty. Here are clever ways to make a greenhouse, put it in a sunny spot, and watch your garden begin to flourish!
Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration of Spring
As Persian New Year is about to arrive on the vernal equinox, festive events in celebration of the cultural holiday are scheduled to take place all over the Bay Area. Here are a couple of family friendly events to celebrate.
Purim: Judaism
Expect the unexpected. Anything goes for Purim. Dress up in costumes, sing, eat, drink, and get silly.
Japan: Kayak
Higan (彼岸) is a Buddhist holiday that marks the changing of seasons and pays respect to deceased family members. The name “Higan” means crossing over to the “other shore”. One side of the river is the world where we live, and the other side is the realm where the souls of those who have passed away dwell. Worshipers offer flowers, confections and prayers. Kayak to the other side from where you are and leave a gift or prayer to remember a loved one.
Visit Your Local Famers Markets
Grab your totes and spring out the door to your local farmers market! A bounty of spring produce awaits to create tasty dishes kids will devour.
India: Holi
Holi is the Hindu festival of love or colors. Take part in the parades of people as they frolic with the color in the midst.
Keep a Nature Journal
Look around! Observe! What are the signs of spring in your region?
World Storytelling Day is
March 20
Celebrate the art of oral storytelling with stories of your family, childhood, read classical tales, local stories, happy, challenging, spooky, dramatic epic stories. Every story is unique.
Mexico: Chichén Itzá
One of the most famous ancient Spring equinox celebrations is around the ancient Mayan pyramid Chichén Itzá in Mexico. The play of the Sun’s light on it signals the beginning of the seasons. On the spring equinox, it looks like a huge snake is slithering down the steps. Mayans called this day “the return of the Sun serpent.”
England: Watch a Sunrise and Sunset
Stonehenge in particular draws crowds interested to see the sunrise or sunset in a particular alignment of the stones. No matter where you are.
