When spring comes...
The aftermath of the new year celebration here in Sweden is not as bad as we have in the Philippines. New year in my homeland looks like a war zone. Here, the people are more safety conscious when it comes to fireworks and firecrackers. Fireworks are built according to a certain safety standard.
The winter lasts up to february, just enough for the folks to get tired of the thick jackets and warm ski suits. Sometime at the last week of march (it can vary from year to year), summer time starts and it's also time to prepare the spring jackets and clothes. It is also the time when the swedish people welcomes the spring and summer by lighting a big bonfire "valborgsmaesoafton". The evening is celebrated with swedish folksongs, grilled hotdogs and drinking.
In the Philippines, Sweden also celebrates lent and easter but most of the people doesn't associate the celebration with religion. It is more of a tradition than a religious activity. Here we decorate our homes with chicken feathers and some sort of twigs which they call "p�sk ris". They paint eggs and give the kids big easter eggs (made af cardboard material) with lots of goodies inside. The kids dress up like witches "paosk kaerring" and goes around the neighborhood wishing happy easter and in return for sweets. It's more like halloween trick or treating.
The temperature starts to be bearable and the people start to change their wardrobe into a more comfortable spring collection. Many, and that includes me, are like bears. We sort of "hybernate" during winter. I personally prefer the warmth in my apartment or at the working place. The winter is gray and boring and the sun refuses to shine sometimes, that is why spring livens up many peoples psyche and physique. Flowers starts to bloom and the brown starts to be green. It's a healing experience!
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