Tuesday, April 1, 2025

APRIL begins with a very humorous day

APRIL (the 4th month of the year) is known for its beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers and a multitude of festivals. The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open” and it is commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers beginning to “open” or bloom.

But, did you know that the 1st day of April is called the “Fools’ Day”?
Yes… April 1st is a day of big and small mischiefs all around the world, and the meaning of the tricks is to point out that you could be quite a gullible person.
It is not exactly known how it began, but most people believe that the origin of “April Fools’ Day” dates back to the 16th century, and it came into existence when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar (the calendar switch happed on April 1, 1563).
“People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes
and were called ‘April fools’”
, wrote “History” about this very day.

Aside of that, the timing of April Fools’ is suspiciously close to the Vernal Equinox – the time of the year when nature is known to play tricks on people with the unpredictable changes of the weather.
On the other hand, April is a month that feels like a breath of fresh air, and from a scientific perspective, it represents the full awakening of spring, which becomes a crucial time for all gardeners. The cherry blossoms are truly iconic for April in many parts of the world, especially in Japan, while Paris (at this time of the year) is considered the epitome of romance and elegance. Also, since this month is known for its weather fluctuations, in many cultures and traditions around the world, April represents a period of profound renewal encompassing the perfect blend of new beginnings, blossoming hope, and an invitation to embrace change. 
Spiritually speaking, Easter often falls in April, which is also a time of profound joy and elaborated celebrations for many.
So, dear friends, if the charm of the month inspires you, please try to put your thoughts on a piece of paper and let your heart deeply absorb the beauty that’s in the air....and don’t forget that “April showers bring May flowers”.
“April places the spirit of youth in everything around us.” (William Shakespeare)

Saturday, March 22, 2025

MARCH into a new spring

“Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi (classical music)
MARCH (the 3rd month of the year), marks the transition from winter to spring, bringing along a profound sense of rejuvenation and hope, when days are getting longer, flowers are budding and weather is getting warmer and warmer.
This is the first month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia and part of Africa) and the first month of fall or autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (South America, part of Africa, and Oceania).
As winter fades and spring emerges, March brings a unique blend of history, traditions and lots of natural wonders.
March and the arrival of spring always served as a powerful source of inspiration for poets worldwide and through their verses, they captured the essence of revival, rebirth and the enchanting beauty that accompanies this time of the year. Whether it is the blooming flowers, the gentle breezes, or the delicate songs of birds, their poems celebrate the magic of March and the fantastic transformative power of spring.
A new cycle of life in nature is beautifully unfolding each spring and this holds a special place in the hearts of so many for its symbolic significance and the marvelous beauty that comes with it. 
Spring adds new colors and new beauty to everything…enjoy!
May you cheerfully march into spring, dear ones, as it is the season of renewal!