When has Spring Sprung?

In the northern hemisphere, the transition to spring is generally thought to occur in March. The meteorological calendar says spring starts on March 1st. While the astronomical calendar bases the start of this season on the spring equinox which occurred on March 20th this year. In Canada, spring generally follows the spring equinox, meaning a spring season that begins in March and goes until May. However, in other regions the idea of spring is very different. For example, some countries follow different calendars such as Ireland which uses the Gaelic calendar where spring begins in February. Not only are there differences in the calendars used, but there are also differences in the number of seasons a group recognizes. Many Indigenous cultures, for example, have more than four seasons in a year. Let’s dive deeper into the history of spring in Ireland, and the idea of spring for Canadian Inuit.

            Looking to history, the Gaelic calendar sets the start of spring (or Earrach) on St. Brigid’s Day on February 1st. The Gaelic year began in November, following Samhain (Halloween). Spring came with the arrival of rain in mid-February, this season followed the increase in daylight and the ending of cold days. The Gaelic year continued on through summer and fall, each month came with its own festivals and traditions. For our Irish ancestors, spring was not a specific day, but rather a return of warm weather, and a time to honour the gods associated with spring storms and rain.

            Like many Indigenous cultures, the Inuit of northern Canada have a six-season calendar that follows the long winters typical of this region. These seasons include early fall, fall, winter, early spring, spring, and summer. Each season was defined by a different way of life, whether hunting, traveling, or surviving the winter. In comparison to the Gregorian calender typically used in Canada, Inuit early spring begins in March, and transitions into spring in June which only lasts until July. For the Inuit, spring means skin tents, berry gathering, seal pups, walrus, and nesting geese. Much like the ancient Irish, the Inuit see spring not as a specific day, but as a time of great renewal. 

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Wilderness Ireland. (2021). Spring in Ireland. Wilerness Ireland.