- The first day of spring, both calendar and astronomical, is a time full of ancient rituals and superstitions.
- The tradition of drowning Marzanna symbolizes saying goodbye to winter and inviting spring rebirth.
- It was believed that appropriate behavior on this day ensured health, happiness and prosperity for the whole year.
- Do you want to learn other spring superstitions and find out what to do on March 21 to avoid trouble?
Superstitions for the first day of spring. Where did the custom of drowning madder come from?
The first day of calendar and astronomical spring does not always fall on the same date. This year, the calendar spring begins on March 21, this year it will be Saturday. Astronomical spring 2026 begins at the moment of the spring equinox, i.e. March 20, 2026. This is when day and night have exactly the same duration, i.e. 12 hours each, and this moment is also called the spring solstice. The arrival of a new season, during which nature, dormant in winter, comes to life, is one of the most awaited moments of the year. However, you need to properly prepare for its arrival. Both in Poland and around the world, there are plenty of events related to the first day of spring. Many of these spring superstitions have their roots in ancient pagan rites that celebrated the rebirth of life after winter. Rituals such as drowning Marzanna symbolized farewell to winter and its darkness, as well as a request for prosperity and abundant harvests in the coming season. It was believed that appropriate behavior at this key transitional moment – from winter dormancy to spring bloom – could ensure health, happiness and abundance for the entire year. This is where so many detailed recommendations and prohibitions came from that were supposed to “help” nature in its rebirth.
Do it on March 21 and you will avoid trouble
Apart from the popular custom of drowning madder, there are also several other superstitions related to the first day of spring. One of them has us If your house is a mess on the first day of spring, clean it up as soon as possible. On March 21, make sure your space is tidy in every respect. Thoroughly cleaning your home is meant to symbolize getting rid of winter dirt and preparing for a new, clean beginning. Otherwise, you’ll be in trouble. It is also worth getting rid of unnecessary, broken items from your home. Collecting them brings bad luck. It was also once believed that opening the windows on March 21 and letting in fresh air would chase away evil spirits and diseases accumulated in winter, and also welcome spring energy.
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