Spring: symbols, myths and deities

Spring denotes growth, fertility and rejuvenation.

The spring equinox?

Spring equinox is the cosmic event when the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing day and night balance.

It marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the south.

The symbolism of spring in the ancient world

Spring was of particular importance to ancient cultures, as it was associated with the regeneration of nature and the renewal of life.

In antiquity, people perceived the change of seasons as a cycle of renewal and rejuvenation, with spring being the most beloved time, as it meant the end of winter and the beginning of a new season of hope.

Symbolism of Spring in Ancient Babylon

In ancient Mesopotamia, spring was celebrated with the Akitu Festival, which took place after the first New Moon after the spring equinox. The Babylonians believed that the return of spring was a rebirth of nature and the world. The feast included ceremonies and parades, which participated in statues of the gods, and was intended to purify and revitalize the earth.

The Symbolism of Spring in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, Spring was celebrated with the Antistiria, dedicated to Dionysus and the maturation of the wine.

This celebration also included rituals for the return of the dead to the world of the living, and symbolized the Renaissance and hope.

The young people who had arrived in adolescence wore floral crowns, representing the maturation of nature and life.

Symbolism of Spring in Ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, spring was celebrated with the Floralia Festival in honor of the goddess Flora, who was the goddess of flowers and nature.

The Romans adorned their hair with flowers and participated in theatrical performances and struggles, celebrating the rebirth of nature.

Also, the spring equinox marked the beginning of the Hilaria celebration, which was dedicated to the goddess Kyveli and was linked to the regeneration of life and overheating of death.

What are the gods and goddesses of spring?

In mythology, the essence of spring is deeply intertwined with the natural circle of the earth and the spin of wheel of year.

Consequently, many of these ancient stories highlight the key role of the gods of fertility in various cultures and cultures.

• Anna Perenna:Roman goddess of time and rejuvenation, he was worshiped on March 15, symbolizing the beginning of the year and spring.

Democrats of Dido, a representation of the rescue of Dido by her sister Anna, who was later identified with the Roman deity Anna Perena, oil on Guercino's canvas, 1625, Rome, Galleria Spada.

• Artio: Celtic goddess of bears and renewal, who wakes up from the winter lethargy to bring spring.
• Asase yaa: African goddess of fertility and agriculture, he was worshiped for the blessing of crops.
• Beaivi/Beiwe: Sami Goddess of the Sun and Spring, associated with the regeneration of nature and the fertility of the reindeer.
• Blodewedd: Celtic goddess that symbolizes spring flowers and the Renaissance, though it is associated with a tragic betrayal story.
• Brigid: Celtic Goddess of Fire, Poetry and Fertility, punished at the feast of IMBOLC for the arrival of Spring.
• Devana: Slavic goddess of forest and spring, protector of nature and agriculture.

Devana, Andy Paciorek, 2015.

• Peace: Greek Goddess of Spring and Peace, responsible for the development and renewal of the land.
• Flora: Roman goddess of flowers and gardens, is celebrated with the feast of Floralia.

1st century fresco from Villa Di Arianna in Stabiae, depicting Flora or an allegory of spring

• Freya: Scandinavian goddess of fertility and spring, associated with plant growth and prosperity.
• Wedge: Greek Goddess of Earth, personification of nature and fertility, associated with all circles of life.
• Hare ke: African goddess of spring, brings the rains that mark the beginning of the agricultural period.
• Idunn: Scandinavian goddess of spring, patron of eternal youth and renewal of life.
• Jarylo: Slavic god of spring and fertility, who returns to bring prosperity and abundance.

Konohanasakuya-Hime, work by Hokusai, 1834

• Konohanasakuya Hime: Japanese goddess of Sinto, associated with spring and cherry flowers.
• Kostroma: Slavic goddess of spring and fertility, embodies the cycle of life and the Renaissance.
• Lada: Slavic goddess of spring and beauty, associated with flowering and renewal of nature.
• Libera: Roman goddess of fertility, which releases the earth from winter and brings the rejuvenation of spring.
• Ninhursag: Sumerian goddess of nature and creation, linked to life and regeneration.
• Olwen: Celtic goddess of spring, brings renewal and vitality.
• Osiris: Egyptian god of fertility, agriculture and Renaissance.
• Ostara: Celtic goddess of spring, linked to fertility and spring symbols, such as the hare and egg.

'The fate of Persephone' – Walter Crane (1877)

• Persephone: Greek Goddess of Spring, Renaissance and Nature, returning from the Lower World.

These deities determine our relationship with times and nature, and maintain the ancient traditions that honor the renewal of life.

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