Spring is almost here. During the Winter, there was one week when snow covered the ground for a short time in almost every state. But now, it’s time to be thinking about the warming weather and for many people the process of Spring cleaning. I’m not sure where the origins of this tradition originated, but there are many interesting possibilities. In many parts of the world there is a tight link between certain traditions and religious holidays.
There is a Persian holiday known as “Khouneh Tekouni” which actually means ‘complete cleaning of the house’ and is prepared for by general house cleaning and shaking out of all the carpets in the home. The event is supposed to “set the tone” for the rest of the year.
In China the tradition was to clean the home before the new year, to clear out any misfortune or bad luck, and welcome in good luck. Then the floors would be left alone for a time to preserve the new energy.
Before Passover there was a custom of cleaning the home. In honor of tradition this was probably done to remove any traces of leavened bread before the Passover feast. All traces of the bread (chametz) were supposed to be removed.
In Scotland there is the Hogmanay festival, with the tradition of cleaning out the house on the day before the holiday. This cleaning may be due in part of the belief of the festival will help people to clear out the remaining energy of the old year, and welcome in a new year with new possibilities.
Regardless of whether you have a regular Spring cleaning or not, many of these traditions at their core are about letting go. Symbolically they are about releasing the past in favor of something new. Whatever dirt, dust or grime that has been collected during the year is cleaned and swept away, and space is created for new life to take its place.
Of course, before we had modern appliances it was much more difficult to effectively cleaning during colder months. During the winter you simply didn’t have the opportunity to clear the rugs and bedding that could only be cleaned by dragging them outside and having the dust and dirt beat out of them. Also, many items had to be “aired” out as they could not be washed.
In the past, Spring was a logical time to give your home a thorough cleaning. With modern appliances we're able to more effectively keep our homes clean year round. However, many people still maintain at least a small part of the tradition as they use this time to host yard sales, donate items to charity, and begin to make repairs to the outside of their homes as the weather warms. Do you have a regular Spring cleaning routine? Do you have a yard sale and clear out the things you no longer need or want?
You may want to take some time this spring to think of the past, and the rituals that were enacted helped people to welcome in new the new year. For many, the season provided them with an opportunity to see friends and neighbors that they had not seen for some time. For others, it was a real opportunity to prepare for a “rebirth” of sorts, by clearing their homes which prepared them for new new hopes and opportunities.
What might you welcome into your life at this time? What new opportunity is about to unfold? Is there some ritual that you can perform to welcome in change and growth? Perhaps, simply donating an item to the charity of your choice may be a way to connect with the spirit of Spring, and welcome in new growth. Perhaps, spending time with someone who needs your time and support. Whatever you choose to do has the potential to act as a catalyst for taking a step deeper into a life that has growth, meaning and purpose, and isn't that what Spring is about?
