The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth

Describes some of the ways in which people have celebrated the coming of spring, including the Mayas, the ancient Romans, and the Cree, as well as such holidays as Passover, No Ruz, Holi, and Easter, and suggest related activities.

Grade 1-3-This is a detailed look at the history and festivals behind this special day, which occurs in the third week of March in the Northern Hemisphere. Jackson begins with ancient Mexico and the Mayans, who believed that special ceremonies were needed to rejuvenate the Earth; otherwise, it would remain cold and lifeless. She mentions other festivals and holidays that are celebrated around this time, such as Passover; Easter; No Ruz, a 13-day Iranian festival; and Holi, an Indian holiday. The book ends with a note that not all spring celebrations are rooted in ancient times, such as Earth Day. A retelling of the story of Ostara, the goddess of dawn and springtime, is included, as are some examples of seasonal activities. The attractive illustrations are as cheery and colorful as a warm and sunny spring day, adding to this informative look at the vernal equinox.
Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
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Gr. 3-5. This attractive book completes the quartet that includes The Winter Solstice (1994), The Autumn Equinox (2000), and The Summer Solstice (2001). One or two spring holidays, chosen to represent a variety of cultural traditions, are spotlighted in each two-page spread. Jackson introduces children to a number of spring customs: the Cree Indian practice of offering berries to the Great Spirit; the medieval European custom of a mock battle between summer and winter; the Iranian festival of No Ruz; and the colorful Indian holiday known as Holi, as well as the more familiar Passover, Easter, and Earth Day. An adapted Anglo-Saxon myth and a few activities round out the volume. Warm spring colors set the tone in the well-composed, somewhat stylized illustrations. This volume provides a spirited overview of spring celebrations around the world. Carolyn Phelan
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