Spring Equinox: 春分の日

 

First cherry blossom of the season.

Sunday was the Spring Equinox. A holiday here in Japan. I spent the day taking photographs and found the first cherry blossom of the season.

How did you spend the holiday?


In Britain the spring equinox is not a holiday, but the Christian Easter is a holiday. There is a connection though. Easter Sunday changes each year. It is the first Sunday after the full moon, after the spring equinox.  In pre-Christian times there was a festival on the equinox, called Ostara, which is still celebrated by neo-Pagans. I believe it is also an important day for Hindus.

Why do you think this day has been historically important in many cultures?

1. Have you noticed any signs of spring?
2. How does the spring make you feel?
3. Many people like to start something new in the spring. What would you like to start?
4. In Japan the school year starts in spring; why is the spring a good starting time?
5. Which country except for Japan, would you like to visit in the spring?

Before class think of a place to visit or an activity you would like to recommend for the spring equinox holiday. Prepare to tell the class about it.

私の生徒さんのためにそのブログを作りました。いろいろな場所でグループディスカッションの英語のレッスンを教えています。もし京都で新しいグループを作りたかったら、連絡してください。John Rowan

This heron seems to be nesting.

Daffodils always remind me of England

Do you know what kind of bird this is?