After a long, cold winter, many of us welcome the warmth and beauty of spring. The term “spring fever” refers to psychological and physical symptoms associated with longing for the arrival of this season. Experts say the body’s makeup changes due to different diets, hormone production, temperature, and increased light. Spring is the season of new beginnings and new life.
The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox. As a result, daylight hours and night are almost equal on this day. The Earth’s axis is tilted toward the sun, which causes the length of daylight to increase in the hemisphere. The spring and fall equinoxes are the only two times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west.
Before the 14th century, spring was called Lent. It was renamed because plants were springing up from the ground. During spring, plants respond to temperature and light. Increased temperatures and day length influence the growth and flowering of plant species. The first spring flowers are typically daffodils, lilacs, lilies, tulips and dandelions. Hay fever is common in spring due to tree pollen.
Animals emerge from their hibernation when spring arrives. Birds frequently sing during this time to attract mates. Baby birds learn to sing during spring. Although they are born with the ability to sing, they must learn the songs of their species. Butterflies flutter around, and honeybees are more likely to swarm during the spring.
Earthworms spend the winter buried deep below the frost line, but the annual spring showers reduce the oxygen in the soil, so they make their way up to the surface. The first full moon in March is known as the Worm Moon.
Holidays in spring include Easter, Passover, April Fool’s Day, Earth Day, Arbor Day, Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The Zodiac signs that appear in the springtime are Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. At the North Pole, when spring starts, so does six months of daylight with no darkness. It is the opposite at the South Pole, with six months of darkness and no visible sun. Tornadoes are more prevalent in the spring.
Some films are spring-themed. They include Easter Parade, Spring in Park Lane, Late Spring, Journey Into Spring, and A Tale of Spring. This warm season also brings college students out in droves as they flock to Florida and other tropical locations during their “spring break.” In addition, Major League Baseball has pre-season training and games called “spring training.”
Since we have traveled through our first full season of the year, we must now spring through this sunny query. So, get set to don those Easter bonnets because it’s time to get a little trivial.
1. The Japanese welcome spring by organizing significant viewings of what flower?
2. Name the musician who sings Born to Run and Born in the USA.
3. In the animal world, these little stinkers are born in the spring.
4. The early Egyptians built this so that it points directly toward the rising sun on the spring equinox.
5. The spring season begins on March 20 or 21; when does it end?
6. When spring is in the northern hemisphere, what season is it in the southern hemisphere?
7. In China, the start of spring corresponds with what annual celebration?
8. This famous blockbuster film is broadcast on TV every Palm Sunday weekend.
9. Which bird species is an iconic spring symbol in North America?
10. This musician recorded the hit Jesse’s Girl.
11. Where do the Pittsburgh Pirates play their spring training?
12. Name the green bar of soap that has a seasonal name.
13. Many folks like to do this household tiding-up after winter.
14. The TV show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman is set in what western city?
15. Which Disney movie sees the birth of a baby deer in spring?
Answers: 1. Cherry blossoms 2. Bruce Springsteen 3. Skunks 4. The Great Sphinx 5. June 21 6. Fall/Autumn 7. Chinese New Year 8. The Ten Commandments 9. Robin 11. Rick Springfield 12. Bradenton, Florida (LECOM Park) 12. Irish Spring 13. Spring cleaning 14. Colorado Springs 15. Bambi
Sources: groupgames101.com, findithealth.com, factretriever.com, justfunfacts.com, paraligo.com/en/did-you-know/8-facts-about-spring/, kids.lovetoknow.com/childrens-education/spring-facts-kids, www.factretriever.com/spring-facts, /kidadl.com/education-learning/fun-facts-about-spring-for-kids, bigquizthing.com/trivia-questions-ans/25-spring-trivia-questions-and-answers/
By Paula Green