Spring has sprung! The daffodils are sprouting in the park where I go for my walks, and the sun shines again.
In Australia, the first day of September is the officially National Wattle Day, when both animals and humans can appreciate the bursts of bright flowers after the long months of winter. In particular, birds enjoy wattles so planting some this season will be sure to attract birds to your garden!
The beginning of September is also the start of the Poorneet or Tadpole season. The season marks when temperatures rise and tadpoles emerge and lasts until October. The Poorneet season is part of the calendar created by the Kulin nations and tracks specific natural cycles in Naarm and the greater Melbourne area.
Around the world, countries and cultures celebrate the start of spring in many ways.
If you travel over to Holland, you could attend one of their famous flower parades – the Tulip Festival is the only flower parade in the world that uses tulips and hyacinths to create fantastic floats.
In Thailand, spring begins with Songkran, to wash away the year in preparation for a new one. As well as religious celebrations, there are also street parties and water fights.
Held over two days, Holi, the festival of love and colours, celebrates the coming of spring and good triumphing over evil. After a day of prayer, participants throw coloured powder at each other.
However you celebrate, spring is globally recognised as a season to take stock and a chance to start fresh. Take it from your favourite canine columnist, there’s no better time to stop and smell the daffodils!
