How did ancient humans observe Spring?

Spring is almost here. This time of renewal is often eagerly awaited after the long, dark and cold winter months. For many of us, it is a reason to wear less clothes, plan backyard shindigs, clean out our homes and maybe rekindle love.

But for ancient humans, Spring was more than a welcome relief from the Winter chill. Spring was the continuation of an ancient cycle. A cycle that began to represent not just a repetition of the seasons of Mother Earth, but also the promise of everlasting life.

Throughout human history, rituals were created and performed for countless occasions. Two events of vital importance to early humans were the occasions of birth and death.

Prior to modern medicine and the development of obstetrics and gynecology, it was not uncommon for either or both mother and child to die during the birthing. On the other end, everyone died eventually, and the grief and questions those early people experienced could only be dealt with through rituals.

Dr. D. Clark Wernecke, Executive Director of the Gault School of Archaeological Research, shared his insight into the likely ritual practices of local Austin native Americans.

“Historically many groups celebrated various rituals of planting and gathering in the late spring. We know they were as happy as we are (probably happier because they had no HEB's) with the return of spring and abundance.”

As Dr. Wernecke mentions, Spring was a time of celebration and joy. For primitive humans, the long end to the harsh Winter months meant a second chance at life.

Dr. Wernecke concludes with, “[Also], hunting and gathering in the spring was easier and people put on the weight they'd lost over the winter. If I had to go out on a limb I'd say that any rituals observed were probably short and to the point - the coming of spring brings hope to hunters and gatherers but they cannot sit back and celebrate until well after it has started.”

As can be imagined, ancient cultures took the advent of Spring as a serious and profound time of year. So much so, that eventually the cycle of seasons took on an additional spiritual element and the passing of seasons began to serve as a parable to the passing cycles of life. Summer became birth, Autumn became aging, Winter became death and Spring represented the idea of rebirth, or reincarnation.

• Early Christians adopted pagan Spring holidays and integrated their teachings of Christ's resurrection from death after his crucifixion. Fasting for 40 days prior to the Easter celebrations of feasting, is observed via a ritual known as Lent.
• Ancient Iranian mythology taught that Spring is Nowruz, or “New Day”, and celebrates the first day that the universe was set in motion. Iranian tradition dictates that houses be completely cleaned and purchases of new clothes and flowers be done in order to usher in Spring.
• Chinese myth speaks of a time when an evil monster named Nien would scourge the land at the beginning of Spring and eat all it could find. The color red and the noise of firecrackers was said to frighten the Nien and it was eventually banished forever through these means. Today the Chinese New Year honors those myths with firecrackers and jubilant red decorations.
• Akitu was an ancient Babylonian springtime festival that celebrated the victory of Marduk over Tiamet. This ancient rite involved the entire populous participating in praying for the return of Marduk from the underworld and the retelling of how Marduk reclaimed his place as king of the Gods.

In modern society, we have all but forgotten the hardships associated with watching Mother Earth become a barren lifeless rock for a quarter of the year. Nearly as forgotten are the ancient rites and messages encoded into our conscience after witnessing the countless passing cycles of life to death.

But despite such nebulous connections with our past, we still feel the same thrill upon seeing the first shoots of green break the soil. It's difficult not to smile when our crepe myrtles bloom their fragrant purple buds. For Austin, Spring is herald with the arrival of South by Southwest. Witches and Pagans gather to perform rituals thousands of years old. For many, Easter arrives soon and the Chinese new year has just been ushered in.

Everywhere hearts and minds are shedding their Winter chill and turning toward Spring's warmth.

The rituals and meanings have changed many times old over the epochs, but the joy of Spring is universal. So celebrate this season in any many that suits you. Spend time with friends outdoors. Clean out your home. Walk along our beautiful hill country and note the subtle signs of change. Pray and meditate on the second chance we have all been given and take advantage of a glorious 2010!

For more information about the ways our ancestors found answers to life's mysteries and help in observing your own rituals, subscribe at the top of the page for direct and convenient email alerts.