The deep cleaning of one’s home at the beginning of the year, better known as spring cleaning, is a tradition throughout the Northern Hemisphere. During this time of year, the urge to brush off the cobwebs and dive into some cleaning is at its highest.
Spring cleaning holds a symbolic significance as a fresh start. The annual tradition symbolizes the transition from a cold winter to a blooming spring. People achieve this by purging the dust and organizing our homes to bring a sense of mental clarity and freshness. This will improve mental states overall by giving people a clean area to thrive in.
Many people find the act of cleaning to be stress relieving and relaxing. Having an unorganized and cluttered house causes anxiety. The spring is a season of growth and change, making it the perfect time to brush away the dust and relieve some winter season stress.
Studies by National Geographic find that humans are naturally influenced by nature and the time of year. For example, we tend to feel more tired and lazy during the winter months. According to National Geographic, this is often the result of the cold and gloomy weather.
However, we feel refreshed and energized in the summer, as the sun brightens our mood and promotes a happy and healthy day.
Religion and culture have a big impact on spring cleaning. For example, Catholics clean altars in churches annually in March and April. Similarly, cleaning occurs in the Jewish tradition of Passover, the removal of leavened bread which symbolizes haste, also taking place in March and April. Before Lunar New Year, it is common to cleanse one’s home of misfortune and bad luck. In China this is known as “sweeping the dust.” Cleaning makes room for the new year, along with luck and prosperity.
Spring cleaning historically doesn’t involve electronic tools. However, modern electronics are very popular and efficient. The invention of vacuum cleaners, washing machines and other cleaning supplies has allowed the spring cleaning process to reach a deeper level. Before electronic sources, houses used fires crafted from wood and coal to provide heat and light. Naturally, this accumulated a lot of soot which made more cleaning necessary.
The tradition of spring cleaning has been around for centuries. Embracing the new season with some organization and stress-relieving cleaning is a great way to begin. If you don’t usually take part in spring cleaning, now is the perfect time to give it a shot.
There’s nothing better than that fulfilling feeling right after you’ve organized and cleaned your home.
