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 |