Spring begins today at 3:46 PM.
In the northern hemisphere, today marks the vernal equinox. Day and night are approximately equal, lasting about 12 hours each, while after the equinox, days become longer with more daylight. By the end of next week, daylight saving time will begin.
Folk beliefs and customs
In our tradition, as well as around the world, this day (March 20th or 21st) is accompanied by numerous customs and beliefs symbolizing purification, the awakening of nature, and new beginnings.
It is said, “As the weather is today, so will the year be.” The most widespread belief in Serbia is that the first day of spring predicts what the summer will be like.
If the day is sunny and clear, it is believed that the year will be fertile, and people healthy and happy. If it rains or snows (the famous “Baba Marta”), it is thought that a capricious summer awaits, and caution should be taken with agricultural work.
Many customs are linked to cleaning the house and the body to “drive winter out” of the home. This includes airing out the house and opening all windows to let in the new spring air, which, according to belief, carries away illness and stale energy.
Throwing out old items is another tradition. It is believed that on this day, all broken or unnecessary things should be removed from the house to make room for new opportunities.
In some regions of Serbia, the tradition of picking the first spring flowers remains. It is believed that children should be “touched” with a cornel branch or given a cornel bud to eat so they will be healthy (“healthy as cornel”). Young women used to wash their faces with water in which the first violets had soaked overnight, believing it would bring them beauty and freshness throughout the year.
There is also a belief that it is very important which bird you see first on the first day of spring.
If you see a swallow, it is a sign of great luck and progress in the family. If you hear a cuckoo, the old belief says you should have at least one coin in your pocket—if it jingles while the bird calls, you will have money all year.
According to folk beliefs, one should not be grumpy or angry on the first day of spring. It is thought that such a mood will stay with you until autumn.
It is advisable to go outside under the open sky, even briefly, and “greet the Sun” to gain strength for the upcoming work.
Cold and cloudy weather with rain and snow
The first day of calendar spring brings mostly cloudy weather. In most parts of the country, it will remain dry, with precipitation possible only in mountainous areas, mostly sleet and light snow.
Due to the influence of a low-pressure system, most of the region will be mostly cloudy today, with occasional rain, and snow in mountainous areas. Temperatures are slightly lower but still above average for this time of year.
During the day, mostly cloudy skies with occasional sunny periods in the morning. Dry in most areas, with light snow only expected in high mountains. Light to moderate northeast winds.
Maximum temperatures between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius.
Through the end of this week and early next week, the weather will remain moderately to fully cloudy, mostly dry, with light to moderate east winds. Morning temperatures around or slightly above zero, with maximums up to 16 degrees Celsius.
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Source: N1; Foto: Pixabay