Monday 6th April 2015 - The Letter E.
Equinox, Eclipse = Vårdagjämning, Solförmörkelse
E is for Equinox, when night and day are of equal length in the spring and in the fall. The spring equinox is called Vårdagjämningen in Swedish.
Today is not the equinox. It was on Friday 20th March.
On the same day, there was a partial eclipse of the sun visible from Sweden. About a week before, my daughter, Elisabet, was excited about the eclipse and wanted to take a pin-hole box with her to school in order to see it safely. But since it was overcast in our area all day - and even snowed - we hardly noticed it. After reading about some children who became blind by looking directly at the sun in those areas where the eclipse was not cloud-covered, Elisabet said that she was almost glad that it was cloudy in Norrköping.
On the same day, there was a partial eclipse of the sun visible from Sweden. About a week before, my daughter, Elisabet, was excited about the eclipse and wanted to take a pin-hole box with her to school in order to see it safely. But since it was overcast in our area all day - and even snowed - we hardly noticed it. After reading about some children who became blind by looking directly at the sun in those areas where the eclipse was not cloud-covered, Elisabet said that she was almost glad that it was cloudy in Norrköping.
So why is the spring equinox so important to me?
It's because it means that it will be lighter longer. From now on the days will be longer. I will be able to see better and work better. Spring is on its way. With longer days, I feel more hopeful. I feel as if I could succeed at whatever I put my mind to. I will be able to find a job; finish my courses at the university. Sew. Draw. Paint. Make beautiful things to sell. Make new friends.
It's because it means that it will be lighter longer. From now on the days will be longer. I will be able to see better and work better. Spring is on its way. With longer days, I feel more hopeful. I feel as if I could succeed at whatever I put my mind to. I will be able to find a job; finish my courses at the university. Sew. Draw. Paint. Make beautiful things to sell. Make new friends.
Anything is possible.
Well, of course, not all things are actually possible. We all know that, especially at other times of the year. Summer is usually too short to fulfill all dreams. And when summer glides into autumn, my doubts and fears usually return. I will lament everything that is not finished. Complain of my incompetence. Sigh and yawn.
It happens every year.
But before I come to my senses, I am building a new bookshelf and spring-cleaning. I am rearranging furniture, sorting through everything I own, so that I can live happier and more efficiently when the sunlight wains and the cold weather returns.
Happy spring!
Happy spring!
Best wishes,
Anna
First Commenter:
Rosa
of
RosaShawls
