Nature is changing fast. It is our second spring in Switzerland. However, it feels like a first. Last year, our minds were so preoccupied with Covid and adapting to all the new rules that we did not fully appreciate nature’s awakening and change.

Of all things, I most enjoy the positive energy I can hear, see, and feel. I believe the people in countries with intense winters have a much greater appreciation for spring and the sun. They enjoy sitting on benches everywhere in nature with their eyes closed and faces turned to the sun. There is reverence in the silence with which they do so.

Benefits of snow

Once the snow melts, the world is green. The snow acts as an insulator and helps to retain moisture in the soil during the winter. It systematically releases water into the earth as it melts in the spring. Without the protection of snow, cold temperatures freeze the ground and damage the root systems of shrubs and trees. It also contains valuable nutrients such as nitrogen. I read that after a harsh winter, the roses bloom better, and fruit trees bear more fruit. Some bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, need the snow and cool-down period to bloom.

Frick – The smell of cherry blossoms

We took advantage of our first sunny weather and went for a cherry blossom walk at Frick, a famous cherry region in Switzerland. The smell of blossoms hung in the air. The pink and white trees against the green background with speckles of yellow wildflowers created a picture to remember. In Japan, cherry blossoms have symbolic significance in terms of renewal and the fleeting nature of life. By the end of June, the various cherries, with shades ranging from light red to black, ripen, and people celebrate the season with cherry festivals.

Easter – the smell of chocolates and roses

In South Africa, we are used to celebrating Easter during autumn.
Easter in the Northern Hemisphere during spring has a very different atmosphere. There is a much greater emphasis on awakening and new life. The people hang Easter egg decorations on their trees among the blossoms, emphasizing this concept.

I am fascinated by the large variety of chocolate Easter bunnies available before Easter. We visited the Lindt factory shop a week before Easter and had to wait our turn in a queue in front of the shop. Easter bunnies make excellent corporate gifts, and Zander was happy about the cute Easter bunnies that arrived at our house unexpectedly.

I was impressed with the Reformed churches in Zurich’s Easter creativity. With Covid limitations, they had to think of other ways to convey their message. They decorated seven fountains with roses. The fountains were a symbol of new life. The roses were a sign of the joy that brings colour into the darkness of the present situation. It made an impression and attracted many visitors.

Animal life

In nature, it is also visible that animal life is getting ready for a new season. The red kite birds circle over the freshly ploughed fields looking for something to eat. The squirrels run up and down the trees while the birds sit merrily in the branches and sing. I came across two young deer in the forest, and we were equally surprised to see each other. We were excited when we saw a swan on her eggs at the lake.

The swans on the lake are something we have only seen in children’s storybooks before.

Kind regards

Emsia