The Festival of Life in the Cracks Day on March 10 celebrates the sprouting of greenery in the cracks of sidewalks and walls to commemorate the coming of springtime. This annual event acknowledges the complexity of the cycle of life and how renewal and rebirth are integral parts of it. The day encourages appreciation of the wonders and beauty of nature, and the gloriousness of life.
History of Festival Of Life In Cracks Day
Life on Earth is a complex system that is defined by birth, death, and rebirth. Soil holds the roots of numerous flora and acts as the material in which plants live and die. In a way, human life is also defined by the roots we plant in the ground, which determine the lives we live. Life can be found even in the most unexpected of places, sometimes in juxtaposition to environments that, at first glance, you would not think to find signs of existence.The smallest plant species can be found anywhere that either has traces of soil or is exposed to the elements. One of these places is the cracks in sidewalks and walls. Think about it. Even lifeless concrete can support the growth of life, so long as it fulfills the criteria mentioned above. This is a magnificent fact to ponder, and even more so when you witness healthy sprouts coming out of these cracks. These sprouts tend to appear almost every year in the same place, regardless of what they have been subjected to. Thus, these little sprouts also signify rebirth and renewal and show that anything that has been beaten down can always rise again.This is the message of the Festival of Life in the Cracks Day. It is an event that celebrates the first signs of spring, traditionally seen as a time of rebirth. It also serves as a reminder for us to take the time to take in the beauty of life, wherever one may be. The Festival of Life in the Cracks Day is not the time for one to stay indoors, but to go out and celebrate all that life has to offer with their loved ones. Seeing these resilient sprouts fall and rise again every year could inspire and motivate us to see our lives differently.
Festival Of Life In Cracks Day timeline
Plants are thought to have begun colonizing land and rocks around this period.
The ancient Persian springtime celebration of Nowruz originates — this is currently one of the oldest springtime celebrations still celebrated today.
The term “spring fever” is first coined, meaning “a surge of romantic feelings.”
The Arts Council of San Bernardino County organizes the Fallen Fruit event in commemoration of the Festival of Life in the Cracks Day.
Festival Of Life In Cracks Day FAQs
Why do people celebrate the beginning of spring?
Scientifically, spring is celebrated around the world as a way to say goodbye to the dreary darkness of winter and welcome the moment the Earth receives more sunlight. In other words, it is to welcome the period of warm weather, which is crucial in sustaining life on Earth. As the Sun is crucial for crops to grow, flowers to bloom, and for pleasant weather, it is rightly celebrated as the moment where life on Earth can begin again at its optimal level.
What does ‘spring equinox’ mean?
The spring equinox is another term for the first day of spring. It stems from the Latin term for spring (‘vernal’) and ‘equal night’ (‘equinox’). During the spring equinox, the Earth tilts in a way that welcomes more sunlight into the hemispheres. In the northern hemisphere, the equinox generally falls around March, while in the southern hemisphere, it falls around September.
What foods are only available during spring?
The main greens in season during springtime include artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, leek, sweet potatoes, turnips, cauliflower, chicory, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips, among many others. Meanwhile, the fruits of the season include apples, grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and pomegranates.
Festival Of Life In Cracks Day Activities
-
Look down and see for yourself
Celebrate the day by venturing outside and looking at the ground for possible life in the cracks. With springtime approaching, you should start to see the greenery sprouting after a long winter break. Immerse yourself in this realization and be in awe of the life growing between the lifeless concrete. Just watch your step.
-
Enjoy life with loved ones
As this is a day that celebrates life, why not spend some time and have fun with your friends or family? The true meaning of life can only be found when sharing it with others. After a tiring week, there’s no better way to reinvigorate your spirit than by laughing and having a good time with your loved ones.
-
Participate in local events
Some communities are known to celebrate by holding art events honoring the day’s themes. You can take part in one of these events or even create some art of your own. Be it poetry, painting, songs, or whatever you like, one of the best ways to express your love for the world’s beauty is through art.
5 Interesting Facts About Spring In Various Cultures
-
Easter time
Easter always takes place at the start of spring as it signifies rebirth; i.e. the day Jesus Christ is said to come back to life.
-
A cherry blossom welcome
In Japan, the blooming of cherry blossoms (or sakura flowers), traditionally signifies the beginning of springtime in the country.
-
It’s springtime for China
The coming of spring coincides with the Lunar New Year in China, making it a celebration that also welcomes the season.
-
Poland’s annual ritual of renewal
Every year on the first day of spring, people in Poland gather to burn effigies that symbolize things they want to ‘leave behind’ and throw them in a river.
-
India has numerous spring celebrations
India celebrates spring, and the coming of spring, with 19 different festivals throughout the season.
Why We Love Festival Of Life In Cracks Day
-
It is a celebration of the life around us
Life is a festival indeed. When you venture outside, you can see that life is happening all around you. From the sprouts in the pavement cracks to children playing outside, animals going about their day, the wind blowing, and trees standing tall, life is ongoing. The Festival of Life in the Cracks Day pushes you to take a step back and truly see the beauty of life in action and appreciate it in all its animated wonder.
-
It signifies new beginnings
The Festival of Life in the Cracks Day is a fitting way to welcome springtime. Seen by many as the season of renewal, spring is the chance for you to reinvigorate yourself and tackle the rest of the year with a renewed vim and sense of determination. If the sprouts on the sidewalk cracks can do it, you can too.
-
It compels us to appreciate our lives
The day also encourages us to reflect and ask “Have I been appreciating life and all it has given me?” Thus, the Festival of Life in the Cracks Day pushes us to evaluate ourselves and realize what makes us grateful to be alive.
Festival Of Life In Cracks Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 10 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 10 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 10 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 10 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 10 | Wednesday |
