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Yeah…This is it! Today is first day of spring 2008!

By the way, do you know how we decide when first day of spring is March 20 or March 21 ? You have probably noticed that it

changes from year to year.

Well, first day of spring occurs at the vernal equinox. You might ask what is the vernal equinox?

Vernal equinox is when the sun’s most direct rays shine on the equator, you might look at this picture to understand the

concept better:

An equinox in astronomy is that moment in time (not a whole day) when the centre of the Sun can be observed to be directly

above the Earth’s equator, occurring around March 20 (vernal equinox) and September 23 (autumnal equinox) each year.

Sometimes vernal equinox is called spring equinox or also march equinox.
Sometimes autumnal equinox is called autumn equinox or also september equinox.

Here is a table where you can see when spring and autumn will occur this year and the next coming years:

Spring is a particular type of season that is experienced in the temperate climatic zones. Spring is an intermediate seasonal phase in between winter and summer. Spring signifies the emergence of new life. Spring months are the blossoming months that bring meaningful growth and rejuvenation in its wake. Spring enriches natural beauty and it seems as if nature is dressed in a beautiful green gown.Springtime

This season arrives during different parts of the year in the North and South of the world. Places, which are situated in the north experience the spring season from March to May while in the southern part of the world, September to November is the springtime. Vernal Equinox indicates the arrival of spring season while the Summer Solstice announces its departure.

Important Features of Spring

Extreme weather conditions characterize the spring season. This is due to the fact that during this season the warm winds coming from the lower regions are accompanied by the cold air which originates from the Polar Regions. During the spring season, days are longer and the weather is severe. The seas and rivers are full because the snow begins to melt. Rainfall is also heavy often leading to serious flood situations. Floods are most common in the hilly areas. In addition to all this, tornado, hailstorms and heavy downpour are also common features during the spring season. In fact, end of spring is the time when hurricane arrives almost without any warning.

Or as we say in Ireland Lá le Phádraig Shona Duit!

Some Irish words of wisdom:

Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras.
Hunger is a good sauce.

Moladh luath agus cáineadh mall.
Be quick to praise and slow to criticise.

Tús maith leath na hoibre.
A good start is half the work.

Má bhíonn tú ar lorg cara gan locht, beidh tú gan chara go deo.
If you seek a friend without fault, you will be without one forever.

Cuir síoda ar ghabhar ach is gabhar i gcónaí é.
Dress a goat in silk and it’s still a goat.

Is fearr an sláinte ná an táinte.
Health is better than wealth.

And from this day on may you always have these blessings…
A soft breeze when summer comes, a warm fireside in winter, and the comfort of a true friend.

St. Louis: Originally founded as a French Catholic settlement, St. Louis soon became home to thousands of Irish in America. The Irish of St. Louis — the Gateway to the West — are a rich and important part of this city’s tapestry.  Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig (Happy St. Patrick’s Day)!

Baltimore: Charm City’s southwestern neighborhoods have had deep Irish Catholic roots ever since the wave of immigrants who fled the privation of the “Great Hunger” in the late 1840s landed upon American shores. Many took up employment with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, helping to make Baltimore one of the country’s main railroad hubs.

Seattle: The Emerald City celebrates the Emerald Isle during a weeklong festival that features genealogical seminars and Gaelic classes. If you quaff enough beor uaine (green beer) and smell the tangy sea air, you can imagine that you’re in Galway, one of Seattle’s sister cities.

Pittsburgh:  Come mid-March, the Iron City goes green in a big way. Those of Irish heritage constitute the second-largest population in town, so it’s no wonder that the party for St. Patrick is consistently one of the biggest and most vibrant on the city’s calendar.

Boston: The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston is believed to have been held in 1737, organized by the Charitable Irish Society. With a rich heritage of Irish history, this city has a stronger association with Ireland than any in the U.S., even though Chicago and Los Angeles claim larger populations of Irish descent.

Savannah, Ga.: The population of this lovely Southern city increases almost threefold during Lá Fhéile Pádraig (St. Patrick’s Day) festivities, making it, unofficially, the second-largest Irish party in the country.

Denver:  The Irish spirit is strong even in the Western U.S., especially in this city where you’re more likely to see columbines (the state flower of Colorado) than shamrocks. Remember, it will take fewer pints to affect you at mile-high elevation, so it may be a good idea to stick to less potent potables.