March 20, 2021 marked the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Now that we have hopefully adjusted to the time change, we will enjoy the increased amount of daylight and beautiful sunsets until the June summer solstice. Equinox literally means “equal night.” That is a myth, however, given that within a few days surrounding the celebration there is only a single day with nearly equal daytime and nighttime.
For centuries, people have watched the sky for the changes of the season and celebrated them with rituals. During Spring celebrations in Spain, festivalgoers wear medieval clothing for the non-stop street party. In Bosnia, the focus is on the egg. Massive amounts of scrambled eggs are cooked and handed out for free as a symbol of new life. Scotland’s Whuppity Scoorie tradition finds children running in circles around Kirk, the town’s bell, until it rings at 6 p.m. ending 6 months of silence during winter days. And the Flower Parade of the Bollenstreek in the Netherlands is known to be spectacular! In the United States, there is the White House Easter Egg roll, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and many other wonderful events that people will probably attend next year. However, one of the most dreaded and celebrated traditions is Spring Cleaning!
Spring cleaning is a tradition that dates back centuries and is the hallmark of religious cultures. Jewish rituals of cleaning the home to prepare for Passover in part were to remove any bread that was not unleavened. The Greek Orthodox typically clean on the first day of Lent, while Catholic churches clean their altars on the day before Good Friday. The Persian new year falls on the first day of spring and their tradition is called “shaking the house.” The Chinese ritual of spring housecleaning is designed to symbolically rid the home of any negativity and lingering spirits.
Who knew that opening the windows and shaking out the rugs was such a global rite? The common theme of all countries and religions throughout spring cleaning traditions is the act of removing unwanted, outdated items, dust, dirt, and old energies from the past making room for a fresh start. All sounds great until you start the removal process! From experience, it is best to visualize the result before attempting to take on seemingly daunting projects.
Pinterest and other organizational sites offer Spring Cleaning helpful lists divided into categories waiting for checkmarks and smiley faces. However, I could not help noticing that there was no column for personal issues.
If you choose to take on the garage or other rooms in your home, remember that the ancient bowling shirt or your child’s soccer trophy You are still hanging on to has an energy that you are attached to. You might say, NO Way, but … you still have it, therefore, still attached.
So, my suggestion is to add a column for energy detachment. Sounds crazy, but how many times in life have you let go of a “treasure” only to continue thinking of the possession. (favorably or unfavorably) This idea gives a whole new meaning to “Deep Cleaning!” The suggested lists do not give exact instructions on what to clean or get rid of. After adding the column addressing emotional attachments, I hope you find your method of “Letting Go” on all levels. My favorite energy clearing method is Ho Oponopono which is I love you… I am sorry… please forgive me… and thank you. It is perfect for a quick mantra for letting go and expediting clearing.
If a Spring-Cleaning project is in your future, best of luck! And reward yourself when you are done by enjoying a sunset!
Love to all,
Cindi
It All Starts with You!
