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97 Characteristics of the Seasons

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A season is a time of year. These are defined according to weather and sunlight hours using astronomical timing. The classic four seasons in temperate and sub-polar regions are Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. These are each associated with unique weather, nature, pastimes, traditions, culture, symbols and meaning that give a rhythm and sense of constant change to life.

Spring

Spring begins with the March equinox as early as March 19th and as late as March 21st. This is often known as the Spring equinox. Spring is viewed as a time of birth and growth that is symbolic of youth and optimism.
Allergies / Hay Fever
April Fool's Day
Beginning of many sports seasons
Birds Nests & Eggs
Birdsong (birds become more active)
Birth (symbolism)
Blooming Flowers
Earth (symbolism)
Earth Day
Easter
End of Hibernation
Expectations (symbolism)
Father's Day
Graduation Ceremonies
Growth (symbolism)
Happiness (symbolism)
Lilacs / Seasonal Flowers and Vegetation
Longer Hours of Sunshine
Memorial Day
Migratory Birds
Mother's Day
Nature (symbolism)
Optimism (symbolism)
Outdoor Activities
Picnics / Outdoor Dining
Planting Season (crops)
Rain
Rebirth / Rejuvenation (symbolism)
Smell of Flowers
Spring Break
Spring Colors (bright pastels)
St. Patrick's Day
Warmer Days
Youth (symbolism)

Summer

Summer begins with the June solstice between June 20th and 22nd each year. This is known as the Summer solstice in the Northern hemisphere and is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. Summer is an active time of year that's associated with a large number of pastimes and activities. It is symbolic of youthful exuberance and experience.
Barbecues
Baseball
Beaches
Boating
Campfires
Camping
Canoeing
Concerts
Cottages & Cabins
Daylight Hours Increase As You Go North
Exuberance (symbolism)
Fairs
Fireworks
Gardening / Homegrown Foods
Hiking
Ice Cream and Other Summer Foods
Insects
Lakes
Long Daylight Hours
Nightlife
Northern Areas Near North Pole Have 24 Hour Sunlight
Sailing
Summer Holidays
Summer Sounds Such as Crickets
Suntans / Sunburns
Swimming
Young Adulthood (symbolism)
Youthful Experiences (symbolism)

Autumn / Fall

Fall begins with the Autumn equinox that occurs between September 21 and 24. It is a time of decay as nature partially retreats in preparation for winter. Leaves fall from trees, animals prepare for hibernation and insects fall silent. Human culture associates Fall with maturity, decline and melancholy. It is a time of ghost stories and celebrations such as Halloween that delight in the dark. Fall is also a time of harvest and gratitude.
Apples
Autumn Foliage
Back to School
Crisp Autumn Air
Earthy and Rich Flavors such as Cinnamon
Ghost Stories
Halloween
Harvests
Haunted Houses
Maturity (symbolism)
Melancholy (symbolism)
Middle Age (symbolism)
Oktoberfest
Pumpkins
Reverence (symbolism)
Thanksgiving

Winter

Winter is a cold and dark season that begins with the shortest day of the year on the winter solstice. This usually occurs on the 21st or 22nd of December. Humans are robust and have embraced winter by inventing sports and pastimes that take advantage of ice and snow. It is also common for human civilizations to incorporate major holidays into the winter season. This is arguably a survival strategy that passes the coldest darkest season in delightful celebration.
Alpine Resorts
Christmas
Darkness (symbolism)
Fireplaces
Hanukkah
Hibernation
Ice
Ice Hockey
Kwanzaa
New Years
Old Age (symbolism)
Skating
Skiing
Sledding
Snow
Snowboarding
Snowmen
Winter Olympics
Winter Storms

Notes

The seasons above are the classic four seasons of the Gregorian calendar. Other seasons exist and can be defined based on actual weather as opposed to predefined dates. For example, Japan has a rainy season that differs slightly by region and year.
The information above pertains to the Northern Hemisphere.
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