What is Spring Cleaning, really?

Some of you know a lot more about this than others, but I've had an interesting couple of months. They've been emotionally turbulent, full of potential on a deeply personal level. One it turns out I wasn't entirely ready for, but I worked through my doubts.

Just in time for things to take a nose dive.

Speaking of noses, mine's really angry - May allergies started early and have been going hard (I have seasonal allergies to various pollens).

But you know what they say about spring cleaning, right?

Time to get all the skeletons out of your closet and see how much of your clothing has been eaten by moths.

At least that's what I say... But really, it's about fresh starts, the hope for change, and for the sunshine to scare away the seasonal depression (which I thankfully am not hit by).

Of course, there's also pressures like house hunting and finally moving out on my own. But at least I'm not alone in the hunt.

And there's plenty of springtime celebrations that aren't just catchy musical numbers.

Besides, we know spring is here since people are flocking to the cherry blossoms. And they're not even native to Canada!

A little bit of historical context for you.

While we're getting snow (flurries sighted April 20th), it seems that the blossoms have already peaked in their native land, a whole month ago. These flowers are seen as especially precious because they only tend to stay in bloom for a week or so. Although not completely correlated, admiring the cherry blossom's short bloom is part of an entire Japanese custom - Hanami - which is literally taking time to enjoy the transient beauty of flowers.

Over in the UK, where much of my ancestry hails from, there are different celebrations to bring on the warm months. And, for those who want a recap, or haven't got a clue about May Day, I'll do a little summary.

May Day is a pretty folksy celebration, with modern celebrations involving small feasts, dancing around a maypole (not a maple, sadly. I do love maple syrup) and crowning a Queen of May. The latter habit is typically reserved for children and is simply meant to personify the holiday, and probably the ancient goddesses of crops or fertility. A final celebration, the May basket (less of a basket and more a cone), appears to have become far less common in recent years. This was simply typically leaving a cone of flowers or sweets on someone's doorstep, often anonymously.

If you've got tips on house hunting, moving, or other spring celebrations you think don't get enough time in the spotlight, be sure to share down below!

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