For probably as long as there have been humans living in the cold, dark winter of the northern hemisphere, the coming of the spring season has always held great significance. So many of us are fortunate to have modern day supermarkets and stores all over our towns for buying food and supplies. But not so many generations ago, the winter months were harsh and a matter of survival for most people. The cold temperatures, dwindling food supplies, and oftentimes being cut off from medical care, meant that not everyone would survive. So it is a matter of great importance when the days begin to grow longer, the animals begin to come from their hideouts and the birds begin singing louder and more often and even some green plants start to show themselves under the snow and ice. It means the sun will soon turn the days warmer and plants will grow! Celebrations even begin in January but it seems that February, March, April, and May hold the most festivities across the hemisphere.
This is where we are at now, where I live, in Wisconsin - a northern state in the U.S. The days are noticeably longer, the sun seems to shine more often, and the wind has a hint of humidity and the smell of spring every now and then.
I recently started making my own little altar to celebrate the changing of the seasons in my own way. It is a culmination of several cultures, beliefs, and histories all on its own. Mostly, it is just made of things that bring me happy memories and that I find beautiful. Some of these things were used at my wedding with my loving husband. Some things are from nature that I feel very strongly about. Some of these things represent the elements, the Sun or the Moon, or different symbols of the many strengths and attributes of all the human, non-human, and more than-human peoples that might surround us. I change little details on this altar when I find something that I feel adds to it in some way. And I especially change it for the Autumn, Winter holidays, and now, for the Spring.
I like to have living things, like this tiny jade plant.
I have dried and preserved plants as well, such as in this display that represents both the East and the Air.
I have this display to represent the South, and the element of Fire. There is a mix of colored sands in the metal basket under the stones and candle. These are sands that my husband, his children, my child, and myself mixed together in ceremony on our wedding day - to represent the blending of a new family.
This display holds things that, to me, represent the soils of the Earth, as well as the North. Some of the things here were also a part of my wedding celebration, when I was gifted a large (and very heavy!) Buddha statue for my garden.
There is white bark from the birch tree, and sage plant in here, that were gifted to us by our Native America friend - part of my wedding ceremony was performed to Native custom, by that friend.
I made this candle, and I have had the little jade dragon since I was a child.
This display represents the West, and the Water element.
This carved wooden box was a purchase I made on the Etsy website. It came across the ocean to me. :)
These sun mirrors are perfect in a group of three, since many cultures believe that three and multiples of it, such as nine and 12 are meaningful in different ways.
This carved wooden... thing... I don't actually know what it is. :) I found it in a dark basement corner of an antique store in my city. My candle and metal holder fit in it perfectly.
So, these are some things that represent spring and all things natural to me. Some ideas on my altar are Germanic, Scandinavian, Celtic, and more -- from a thousand years ago, or much more modern. I like that it can be a mix of things that are wonderful and meaningful. I hope you enjoyed my photos, and if you have Spring where you live, I hope you are excited too!
No matter what the religion you believe in or how you worship is that the tough of loving nature and your surrounding is what matters most, more over if it gives you peace inside. :)
Do your natives Americans still do their traditions there?
enjoy the spring after a cold winter :)
Yes! There are tribal activities and education. So much history and information was lost. There are many who still try to practice their history.
A lot of nice pics you share with us here. Behind each is a story. There's still winter weather, cold but sunny. And first snowdrops are out. Have a nice day. 😎
There will probably be more snow days for me too. But some of the spring birds that leave for the winter have started to return! And I see some flowers starting to come up by the edge of my house. ♥️
Besides of the seasons and respect for earth, also the habit of making a little house Altar got forgotten by so many people. But these can be so great inspirational and healing places for the whole family. I love your Altar, full of so much great memories. All the best for your little new patchwork family.
Well, we've actually been a patchwork family since 2005 but the wedding was 2011. All the kids are adults now, though my son still lives with us full time. He is 19 and has a better job now and wants to find a place to live on his own, with his girlfriend, this spring. But finding places is hard and they are very expensive here. His better job is not that good! Lol I have helped him make his budget so he knows how expensive everything is. Lol
And yes, little altars used to be normal in almost every house. The rest of my family stops to enjoy it sometimes and they don't seem to mind that I have this odd thing in my house. Ha!
Nowadays most people make the house Altar arount their TVs :-(
Someday they will see the worth of it :-) for sure. And the most important thing is, it does a lot of good to you :-)
Yay! 🤗
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Some things on your spring altar I recognize! Like the jade dragon I bought in Hong Kong for you many years ago! You do have some really great rocks!
I love my rocks! And my dragon. My dragon's tail broke off years and years ago and none of the glue worked to hold it back together. Until now, with the invention of "Gorilla Glue" for use with glass and stone and non-porous surfaces. LOLOL now his tail is good as new and you can't even tell it was broken! 25 years later... Lolol
🤗🌻Spring is nearing but feels and looks so far away here☃️❄. Especially after a new snowstorm.
@zythia13
I do see small subtle changes and feel the hope of new Season coming in.
Your Honoring the spring season alter is most wonderful ,thoughtful, special and encouraging. I love it💞🐝🌼🐥
🤗 Thank you for sharing..!
I am inspired...!
:-)
Thank you! Cannot wait for the warmer weather! :)
🌻🐝
I truly, truly am looking forward to Spring..warmer days🌞🤗🌞
💞@zythia13
Much love and enjoy inspirational post.
:-D
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