Spring cleaning: A Surprising Tradition

With spring being here, our minds go to many things. Flowers blooming, pastels, rain, and many more things. Something heavily associated with spring is new beginnings. And for many people, that involves the annual tradition of spring cleaning. Out with the old, and in with the new they say.

With over 74% of people around the world participating, it’s safe to say that it is a time honored tradition.

While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origin, records show the ritual dates back to biblical times. Passover is a Jewish tradition of quite literally cleansing the home, particularly of bread products. As well as tidying the home as a whole. This carried over to the Catholic Church, where they would dust the pews and altars. The spring is just seen as a time for renewal and rebirth. In the 1600’s when nicer weather arrived with the spring, people would open their windows. And with that, dust them and get rid of any filth. 

Spring cleaning/cleansing is a part of many religions and cultures. For example, Nowruz. This is the Persian New Year, and is celebrated on the first day of spring. A tradition of deep cleaning in the home prior to the holiday celebrations and festivities. In Thailand, Songkran (a festival marking the Thai new year, which is celebrated in April) is based upon the concept of washing away the previous year and preparing for the next. A big part of that involves the cleaning of houses, schools, offices, and public spaces. As well as cleansing the mind. 

For a seemingly uneventful tradition, there is a rich history. Who knew! Spring cleaning today ranges from cleaning your closet to cleaning out your camera roll. Spring has sprung, so get on the cleaning!