Celebrating the Peak of Spring

May 1 marks the day when we shift from wintery-spring into summery-spring. The moment in the season when lambs, calves and foals test their legs. Bird cams fill with so-ugly-they’re-cute baby birds gaping wide for their meals. Bumblebees bobble through the air from flower to flower. Dandelions pop across lawns. Here, daffodils and hyacinth are at their peak. There’s this northern magnolia whose blousy blossoms beckon from the end of bare branches. A light spring green drifts through the treetops. Forsythia’s yellow flowers scream, “SUMMER IS COMING!”

Calm down, Forsythia!

But she’s right. The thermometer isn’t drifting below freezing anymore. If snow falls, well, this must be the last time until autumn. Frost changes from hard to mild. Many seeds can be planted in the earth as it warms.

Do you know how you can tell if your soil is warm enough for planting? Sit your bare butt on the ground. If the soil sticks, it’s too wet. If it’s not comfortable, it’s too cold. Feels okay except for awkwardness about your naked tushie touching garden soil?

Plant those seeds!

Nature-focused religions and spiritualities celebrated the abundant fertility of this time for centuries. These days, a more secular recognition of May Day (aka Beltane) includes young girls dancing around poles, dancing to bring the sun up and parades of people dressed as trees. Or at least wearing green clothes.

Want to join in the festive frolic? Here are some ways to celebrate: