APRIL begins with a very humorous day

SPRING music for April

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 1^st day of April is called the “Fools’ Day”?

Yes… April 1^st 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 16^th 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)

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!

March 20, 2025: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day

 The beginning of a new cycle of life is graciously unfolding in front of our eyes….enjoy it, dear ones! 

Wishing you a beautiful spring time!

On March 20, 2025, the entire world is also observing the International Day of Happiness.

This year’s theme CARING AND SHARING reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected & being part of something bigger.

● Short scientific background on SPRING EQUINOX:

“Spring Equinox” is an astronomical event, nearly noticed by everyone, when the day and night are almost of an equal length, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere; this is commonly regarded as the instant of time when the plane (extended indefinitely in all directions) of Earth's equator passes through the center of the Sun. This is one of the four seasonal turning points, when the strength of the old goes into the new as the power of life blossoms with grace while Nature springs again to LIFE. 

●My previous posts on the same themes: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Alice’s Book Club – WINTER session of 2025

“Reading gives life more life.”

Before the astronomical winter it is completely over in our part of the world, on Wednesday (March 19, 2025) I was happy to be able to organize the winter session of the year for the Book Club of our Circle.

I truly enjoyed the company of those 16 beautiful and intelligent ladies, and together (using an open voting system) we chose three books this time (yes, you’ve heard it well…3 books were chosen to read as a group), books which we will discuss (together) by the end of the year….needless to say how interesting those sessions are!

On the other hand, while at this page, I would like to quickly mention again few valid points the scholars usually emphasize in their papers about the benefits of reading (in essence, why it helps to read at least a bit every day):

 - Reading books allow readers to gain better insights into human nature (you could gain interesting and helpful knowledge that never can be taken away from you)

- Readers become more sensitive to the emotions of other people, quality which seems to disappear in today’s world

- Good literature of any language improve and expand the comprehension skills; also, at the same time, by considering all the aspects involved, you could become even more versed with your critical and analytical thinking (the more skills you have, the better equipped you are to tackle any challenges that sometimes life might present). Additionally, a well written novel could 'transport' you to different places, while an engaging article might distract or keep you in the present moment allowing relaxation to occur. 

- A book always stimulates the brain (amazingly enough, through reading new brain pathways are created and the existing ones become even stronger, facts that assist with the short-term memory recalls as well as mood stabilization).  

So, dear friends, please be kindly reminded that the journey of a life time starts with the turning of a page. 

Once again, I am grateful to share that it is a true delight to continue to stay in touch with likeminded fellows who are passionate about arts and culture, about reading and harmonious conversations. Until next time, dear beautiful readers and members of our Book Club, my warmest regards to each of you!

Alice

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”