By: Kaya Langdon
Springtime—a season of sunshine, warmth, and the sweet promise of new beginnings.
While we’re quick to embrace the obvious delights of blooming flowers and chirping birds,
there’s a whole world of hidden beauty waiting to be uncovered.
there’s a whole world of hidden beauty waiting to be uncovered.
For example, many don’t know that the term “sounds of nature” isn’t just something that
was made up to reference the wind blowing or the birds chirping. It stems from a scientific
phenomenon known as the “dawn chorus.” This is a symphony that songbirds make as they greet
the rising sun, and it is only prevalent when spring rolls around. It’s a natural celebration of the
new day, and the promise of warmer weather.
But it’s not just birds that decide when spring starts. Trees also have their own way of
announcing the changing seasons. One of the most fascinating ways they do this is through an
event called “budburst.” This is the moment when dormant buds of trees suddenly burst open and
reveal their blossoms. It’s a sudden, remarkable process that’s triggered by a combination of
increasing daylight hours and warmer temperatures.
Speaking of warmer temperatures, spring is actually the result of Earth’s tilt on its axis.
As the planet orbits the sun, its axis remains tilted, which is the reason the amount of daylight
varies throughout the year. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun, we experience
longer days and warmer temperatures—what we call the vernal equinox—which marks the
official beginning of spring.
In many cultures, this arrival of spring is celebrated with festivals and rituals to honor the
beauty of nature, and oftentimes, the end of winter. One such tradition is the Japanese custom of
hanami, which literally translates to “flower viewing.” During hanami season, people gather in
parks and gardens to admire the local cherry blossoms. They symbolize the nature of life as well
as beauty, and usually only bloom from March to April.
But the most surprising fact about spring is its profound effect on our mood and well-
being. Research has shown that exposure to sunlight, longer daylight hours, and warmer
temperatures can significantly boost our mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being.
It’s a phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide, so many get excited when spring
rolls around. I’m not sure I can empathize, but to each their own.
As spring rolls around, it’s important not to forget to appreciate the nature around us. It’s
easy to get caught up in work or social life, but when you stop for a minute to look around,
there’s more to spring that meets the eye.
