Faith & Form

Spring as a Metaphor in Calendars of Faith

As the Earth’s southern hemisphere hastens its advance into Fall, with days becoming shorter and cooler, in the northern hemisphere we emerge from the deep freeze of Winter into the thaw of Spring, the season associated with rebirth. It is no coincidence that this is also the point that Christians emerge from the Lenten season into the warmth of Easter; Jews remember the exodus from the death-grip of Egypt, moving over a threshold similar to that of Winter into Spring. Nature provides numerous metaphors in various faith communities for the passage from one season into another. For instance, Passiflora, the “Passion” or Pasque Flower, takes its name from the French time of Easter, or “Pâques.” The word is similar to the Hebrew, “Pesach,” which means Passover, and is a clear reflection in the Abrahamic tradition of the connection between Easter, the resurrection of Christ and redemption from sin, and Passover, the freedom of the Jews from persecution by the Egyptians. That they would be celebrated in this season, with other observations of new life and resurrection, is not surprising. Some faith traditions and cultures celebrate with parties for Nowruz and Navroz, marking the new year in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, with wishes of peace and forgiveness. India and Nepal celebrate Holi, the Spring festival of colors, offering hopes for rebirth, growth, and renewal. The bright colors and frivolity offer a gracious opportunity to forget old wounds and extend lightness for positive new beginnings. In Japan, Hanami or Umemi festivals celebrate Spring with viewing the extraordinary beauty of cherry and plum … [Read More...]