First Day of Spring Today, Warmth Welcomed

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Wednesday has arrived with the official first day of spring and people everywhere are hoping for more sunshine.

At 7:02 a.m. EST Wednesday morning, the sun will have crossed directly over the Earth's equator in what is called the vernal equinox, causing day and night to be about equal. The event also marks the first day of the new spring season.

After a snowy winter, spring-like temperatures have helped usher in the first day of the warmer season today.

Although colder temperatures are still ahead, the season of spring is also associated with ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, and regrowth.

Shortly after the official mark of Springtime, Easter arrives, furthering ideas of resurrection and renewal. The most important religious feast in the Christian liturgical year, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the "third day," two days after his crucifixion, which is called Good Friday.

This year, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31.

Moreover, Spring is associated with flowers blooming and extended periods of sunshine occurring each day.

May Day also takes places each year during Spring, occurring on May 1. The day falls approximately halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

In the meantime, Twitter users are posting about their celebrations over the arrival of spring, with Happy Spring becoming a trending topic on the social media site on Wednesday.

"Happy Spring," started Douglas. "Thankful for the 'fresh start,' the 'new beginning,' the 'second chance.' Knowing those dark hours – the dawn is coming."

Raphael posted, "Happy Spring everyone! Nature has a way of balancing things, so maybe this cold Spring start will lead to an amazing summer."

"Spring Equinox," wrote Bird. "Peoples of the northern hemisphere, Light and dark are perfectly balanced today. For the next 6 months, light wins."

Spring will last three months until June 21 when summer will officially arrive. Then, on Sept. 22, the autumnal equinox will occur, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.