Signs for spring: in nature and the weather, about evil spirits and the other world

Spring is a special time of the year when nature seems to come alive after a long winter. Since ancient times, this period has been associated with many folk customs, which determined the weather and the future harvest. Izvestia has collected the most popular signs of spring.

Spring signs in nature and weather

In the old days, great attention was paid to the ongoing changes in nature. Especially in the first days of spring. According to observations, if long icicles hang from the roofs, then the heat will not come soon. Lightning flashing in the sky heralds a dry summer, and the first spring thunder is a sign of fertility.

The weather was also predicted by migratory birds. So, an early arrival of rooks promises a warm spring. When the blackbirds arrived, it also means that there will be no more frosts. Starlings are another harbinger of warmth. People used to say, "I saw a starling — spring is on the porch." Sparrows swimming in puddles also foreshadow the warmth. And if you hear a woodpecker, then spring will be late.

Weather changes are well felt by animals living next to humans. No wonder they are called home weather forecasters. For example, if a cat sleeps on its back, then you can expect clear, sunny weather. And if he covers his nose with his paw, it will cause a cold snap. An early cold can also be judged by a curled-up dog or a curled-up poultry.

Natural phenomena were also associated with calendar dates. Our ancestors noticed on what day it rained, when there was dew, frost or fog, and made long-term forecasts.

For example, if there is a snow drift on March 4 in Arkhipa, it will lead to late grass. And if it snows on Midsummer Day on March 9 (the church holiday in honor of John the Baptist), then the snow will not come down until April. It was also considered what the weather was like on March 14 for Evdokia Ivy, and it would be the same in summer. A bad omen was the snow that fell on Fedot Vetronos in the middle of the month. This promised a decline in livestock and crop failure.

Mystical and otherworldly omens for spring 2025

In the old days, it was believed that evil spirits also awaken along with nature. They tried to appease and feed them so that the unclean would not cause trouble. Amulets were hung in the house, and various rituals were performed to protect homes and livestock.

A window that suddenly opened, a door that fell off its hinges, or a crack in the mirror were considered bad omens. The unusual behavior of birds also foreshadowed trouble. First of all, ravens and pigeons, which were considered a link to the other world.

For example, the appearance of a raven or the triple cry of an owl was interpreted as a harbinger of death. They asked the cuckoo about the remaining years and believed that if the bird croaked behind his back, then a person's life was already over.

People also listened to dreams, which were believed to contain clues about the future. If an image of a deceased relative appeared at night, then such dreams were considered a sign from above: it means that the spirit of a loved one is trying to warn about something important.

Even in the old days, it was believed that when returning home late at night, one should not respond to the call of other people, as well as let stray animals into the house. Under their guise, evil spirits could enter the dwelling. In addition, in early spring, they were afraid to go into the woods and swamps, so as not to encounter mating animals.

Earlier, Izvestia told about winter folk signs.