At the Vernal Equinox
The spring and its cultural associations in the world

Spring, in climatology, is the season of the year between winter and summer during which temperatures gradually rise. In the northern hemisphere it is generally defined as extending from the vernal equinox (when the day and night are equal in length), March 20 or 21, to the summer solstice (year's longest day), June 21 or 22. In the southern hemisphere, it ranges from September 22 or 23 to December 22 or 23.

The spring temperature transition from winter cold to summer heat occurs only in the middle and high latitudes – North America, Europe, central and East Asia. Tropical regions hardly see the signs of spring, since temperatures vary little during the year near the equator. This is the reason why even in India, the colours of spring are seen more in the north – mostly Himalayas and its river basins – than in the south. Spring is also very short in the polar regions of the globe.

In many cultures of the world, spring is celebrated with rites and festivals revolving around its importance in food production. In European languages, the concept of spring is associated with the sowing of crops. Chinese New Year is popularly known as the spring festival since it begins in the spring.

During this time of the year, all plants including cultivated ones begin growth anew after the dormancy of winter. Most plants exhibit flashy and colourful flowers to attract insects and birds for pollination. Animals are also greatly affected: they come out of their winter dormancy or winter hibernation and begin their nesting and reproducing activities; and birds migrate pole ward in response to the warmer temperatures.