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| Daffodils on Garden Island |
The many posts about spring this month were surely a sign that we were all eager for its arrival. I'm hesitant to add mine today, but recently I've been thinking about spring cleaning. Not actually doing it, but wondering how the custom arose and if people still carry out this old tradition. I have a vague memory of my mother bustling about the house - and not happily - shaming my brothers and me to either help or get out. Our choice was always the latter of course.
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| Ready, set.... |
I think the idea of cleaning to prepare for spring is even connected to the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, the sad story of a mother grieving for her daughter, who can only visit her from the Underworld half the year. When daughter Persephone arrives every spring for the annual visit to her mother, Demeter's joy brings new growth. Cleaning also gives us new purpose after the winter.
This year was a roller-coaster ride for me: a new book to be written and a writing disappointment; the death of a brother and the birth of a first grandchild. But recently I attended a spring concert - an annual performance of music and song by a community orchestra and choir. It was a cold night and the late evening (for me!) unappealing enough to make me question my decision to go. But the magic of beautiful music and song lifted me up, essentially airing the dust and disappointments in my head and heart from the long wintry months.
The night was the best kind of spring cleaning.
Are you a spring cleaner or, like me, a dutiful one urged on by company coming?
Janice Carter
More like you, but I do remember my mom with a kerchief on her head and a grim expression offering my brothers and me the same choice!
ReplyDeleteYes the grim expression was there, too, Liz! Of course now I get it, all these years later. :)
DeleteThose are good reminders about where this idea came from--and I recall visiting my grandparents in Iowa so my parents could help drag their rugs and bedding outside to air. I recall them taking down curtains for washing and ironing. Then we came home and repeated the process in our apartment in Chicago. The same ritual is calling my name right now.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been wonderful for you as a child to go to Iowa for the spring cleaning, Virginia. I’m glad I didn’t grow up in the pre-vacuum cleaner days. All that lugging outside...
DeleteOh, my. They had a vacuum--it wasn't that long ago! But it didn't satisfy my grandparents. Only fresh air would do! And yes, lugging indeed!
DeleteI have periodic cleaning overhauls, but not necessarily in the spring or fall. Now I do it when the mood hits.
ReplyDeleteIt’s all about mood for me, too, Callie. Except when entertaining happens.
DeleteInteresting the ways spring cleaning came to pass. I know my mother took it seriously. Also another cleaning before we put up the Christmas tree. I think I do hit and miss. Sometimes I get the bug and do a good job. Other times I let it slide.
ReplyDeleteIt’s funny that now I’m retired and have so much time to clean regularly, I have much less inclination. As you say, Roz, when I get the bug! :)
DeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your brother and congratulations on the grandbaby! My niece is pregnant with my fifth grandniece or nephew. After 4 girls, we are hoping for a boy. So, that news rather ushered in spring for us. New beginnings. I have to say, my mother did do the spring cleaning thing because we have a wood burning fireplace and the windows get sooty. Still do. I burned 3 cords of wood this winter. So, I'll be working in her footsteps. And I do get the bug to clean out the closets, drawers. I WISH I felt like cleaning out the files in my computer and dumping more trash there, but uh, too boring. Happy spring to all!
ReplyDeleteHaving a baby around is lovely, isn’t it Catherine? Especially enjoying the fun and not the work! As for cleaning computer files...best put off as long as possible.
DeleteI'm more like you, although for lent I've been spending a short time each day cleaning in my office, and I'm slowly making progress. Getting rid of the clutter does give me a sense of satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI’m impressed about your cleaning a bit every day, Beth. I always aim to have the kitchen counters clean and dishes domes or stacked but that’s about it. And de-cluttering is very satisfying!
DeleteI tend to find a time to purge a little, but that's not quite the same as cleaning.
ReplyDeleted
Purging is good! Keeps the clutter manageable. :)
DeleteI remember Spring Cleaning, too...and it was CAPITALIZED. I didn't get the option of opting out. lol. Now I clean mostly when company is coming. That may change...yesterday I heard that dust causes people to gain weight...
DeleteDust causes weight gain?!! That explains so much...
DeleteI'm urged on by company. But we have people coming for dinner about once a month (sometimes more often) and that lights the fire under us to do some of that deeper cleaning. I do enjoy the warmer weather when I can throw open the windows and air things out, though!
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