As the gentle embrace of Spring envelops our home (despite the snow that’s still on the ground) , I find myself filled with pride and joy as I reflect on the adventures and mini-project my boys, have undertaken during this Spring Break.
We got to explore the Science Gallery, Planetarium, and Manitoba Museum where we also got to partake in a Spring Scavenger Hunt. We tried out the Old Spaghetti Factory and went out for ice cream with friends. We went bowling as a play date but also glow bowling with our whole family on my mom’s side as well! The kids had a play date at their grandparent’s while Shimon and I celebrated his birthday at Thermea and today they have a sleepover planned while we go out to celebrate our bdays with friends. And tomorrow we have a family Easter celebration on my dad’s side! Reflecting on this full week, yes it seems like a lot, but it has been rejuvenating! It fills me with gratitude. The fact that boys have also somehow found the time to work on and put together a mini-project at home at the same time really impressed me.
Watching Xander and Bashi delve into their mini-research project on rabbits at home fills me with pride and a bit of nostalgia. Seeing them work together, sharing knowledge and excitement, reminds me of my own love for research projects as a child.
I couldn’t help but get some flashbacks of using Dad’s National Geographic collections on animals to do my own mini-research projects at home in my free time! (My fave was the one I did on Bats! 🦇)
Xander’s enthusiasm for learning shines through as he showcases the French component of their rabbit project.
Bashi’s excitement on how to put together and design their English presentation was heartwarming. I won’t forget overhearing him tell our pet bunny Floppy some Rabbit facts that he learned so that he could “know about himself and his family.”
Together the boys really enjoyed working on gathering the information they wanted to include, reading about the different stories and mythology incorporating rabbits and watching wildlife videos about rabbits and hares while putting their research together.
Our family’s celebration of “High Spring” is not just a mere observance of the season; it can be a deep dive into the naturalistic elements that define this time of renewal and growth.
Embracing Naturalistic Celebrations
In a world often filled with fairy tales and religious connotations, we have chosen to try to anchor our celebrations in the wonders of nature and science where that feels ..well..natural!
This fits better to our Naturalistic and somewhat Pagan beliefs which are closest aligned with Atheopaganism. We find solace and meaning in the cycles of life, growth, and joy that Spring embodies. We also enjoy the metaphorical and poetic beauty as well as the whimsical joy of the stories behind myths, folklore and celebrations like Ostara and the Hare and The Easter Bunny.
By focusing on wildlife like rabbits and even simple science (like with eggs which we touched on this week as well) as symbolism for the season, we honor the essence of this time in The Wheel of the Year without relying on traditional religious tales or teachings.
Symbolism used in Springtime
Rabbits and eggs have long been symbols of new beginnings and fertility in various cultures around the world. These symbols transcend borders and beliefs, representing the promise of growth, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life.
Through the boys’ project on rabbits, Xander and Bashi not only explore rabbits in general as an exploratory on a specific animal (especially one they hold close to their heart having one as a pet), but as a universal symbol and also get to delve into the rich tapestry of stories and mythologies that have woven them into the fabric of Springtime celebrations.
Celebrating Life’s Beauty and Wonder
As I watch my boys immerse themselves in their mini-research project, sharing knowledge and excitement, I am reminded of the beauty that surrounds us in every season.
Their enthusiasm for learning, their curiosity about the natural world, fills me with gratitude for the new beginnings that each day brings. This High Spring project is not just about presentations and facts; it is a celebration of life itself – a reminder to embrace the wonder of exploration and to cherish the beauty that nature offers us.
Stepping Forward into New Beginnings
As we come together as a family to celebrate High Spring, we partake in our family’s Easter and usually Passover celebrations which usually fall around the same time. We love the bonding and tradition of celebrating together even if for different reasons. Through that as well, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things.
The cycle of life unfolds before us, urging us to embrace change, growth, and transformation. With hearts full of gratitude for the season’s blessings, we step forward into new beginnings, guided by the beauty and natural wonder that surround us.
In closing, let us raise a toast to High Spring – to family learning, bonding, to proud moments, and to the magic that lies in simple science, wildlife and nature.
May this season bring us closer to nature’s rhythms, eachother and fill our hearts with joy as we journey through the wheel of the year together.
Here’s to new beginnings and the endless possibilities that springtime brings! 🌼🐰 #HighSpring #FamilyLearning #ProudMom
Our Prairie Fable 