43 Stirring Facts about Spring

Mar 22, 2017

The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox. The term vernal is Latin for “spring” and equinox is Latin for “equal night.

  • According to a Facebook study, couples are most likely to break up in the spring and two weeks before Christmas. The lowest breakup time was Christmas Day and from August through October. [11]
  • The fall and spring equinoxes are the only two times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west. [13]
  • On the first day of spring, a person at the North Pole would see the sun skimming across the horizon, beginning six months of uninterrupted daylight. A person at the South Pole would see the sun skimming across the horizon, signaling the start of six months of darkness. [13]
  • Spring almost always arrives on March 20 or 21, but sometimes on the 19th. The reason the equinoxes and solstices don’t always come on the same day is that Earth doesn’t circle the sun in exactly 365 days. [8]
  • If Pope Gregory XIII would not have established the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world now observes, in 1582, then every 128 years the vernal equinox would have come a full calendar day earlier, eventually putting Easter in midwinter. [8]

Spring babies are at a greater risk of developing several ills

  • While springtime brings flowers and warmer weather, it may be the worst time for human babies to be born. A large-scale study found that babies born in the spring are more likely to develop schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and anorexia. [5]
  • The first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere is the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. [9]
  • Holidays that occur in spring include Easter, Passover, April Fool’s Day, Earth Day, Arbor Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, and Holi (festival of colors in India). [10]
  • One long-term study found that, at least in the Colorado Rocky Mountain region, spring begins, on average, about three weeks earlier than it did in the 1970s. [8]
  • If Earth rotated on an axis perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the sun rather than on a 23.4º tilt, there would be no variation in day lengths and no variation in seasons.m [13]
  • The first day of spring marks the beginning of Nowruz (“The New Day”), which is the Persian New Year. The celebration lasts 13 days and is rooted in the 3,000-year-old tradition of Zoroastrianism. It is celebrated in Iran, the North Caucasus, Kurdish parts of Turkey and Northern Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and other scattered populations in Central Asia. [10]
  • Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. [13]
  • The first spring flowers are typically lilacs, irises, lilies, tulips, daffodils, and dandelions. [9]

She turned to the sunlight /And shook her yellow head / And whispered to her neighbor / ‘Winter is dead.’

– A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young

  • There is a growing movement to call the vernal (spring) equinox the March Equinox or Northward Equinox to avoid “Northern Hemisphere bias.” [13]
  • While the spring equinox typically occurs on March 20 or 21, meteorological spring begins on March 1, a month when average temperatures increase by 10 degrees over the month. [13]
  • At Chichen Itza, Mexico, the Mayan celebrate the first day of spring with “The Return of the Sun Serpent.” On the evening on the spring equinox, the setting sun creates a triangular shadow on the El Castillo pyramid that looks like a descending snake, or the feather serpent god Kukulkan. [10]
  • The myth that it is possible to balance an egg on its end on the spring equinox is just that: a myth. Trying to balance an oval-shaped object on its end is no easier on the spring equinox than on any other day. [13]
  • While some people prefer not to feed birds in spring and summer, during the spring migration, a feeder might be a useful source of food for traveling birds. [9]

During the spring migration, a feeder might be a useful source of food for traveling birds

  • The onset of menopause is significantly higher in winter than in spring or autumn, with a smaller peak in summer. [4]
  • In China, the coming of spring coincides with celebrations for the Chinese New Year. The holiday falls on the first day of the first lunar month, in January or February. [10]
  • According to tradition, if a groundhog does not see his shadow after emerging from his burrow on Groundhog Day (February 2), spring will come early; if he sees his shadow, winter will last for 6 more weeks. The day has its roots in the Neolithic Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marks a seasonal turning point and also involved animal prognostication. [10]
  • For the Japanese, the opening of the cherry blossom, Japan’s national flower, in March or April signals the start of spring. [10]
  • The term “spring fever” refers to a both psychological and physiological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring, including restlessness, daydreaming, and increased sexual appetite. While the exact cause is unclear, scientists believe that increased light, more exercise, and more bare skin influence hormone levels. [4]

Hades carrying the goddess of spring, Persephone, to the underworld

  • According to Greek myth, the return of spring coincides with the return of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who is the goddess of plants and fertility. [10]
  • In the Southern Hemisphere, springtime lasts from August until November. [13]
  • During the spring, birds are more vocal as they sing to attract mates and warn away rivals. [9]
  • The word “season” is from the Latin sationem meaning “sowing” or “seed time.” [9]
  • While December is the most popular time to get engaged, late spring (June) and fall (September) are the most popular months to get married. [10]
  • According to the National Association of Realtors, spring is the most popular season to sell/buy a house. Buyers are usually hesitant to move during the winter when the weather is colder and kids are in school. So, while there are lots of houses to choose from in the spring, property prices are at their highest then. [2]
  • Studies show that there is regular seasonal variation in sperm quality. Specifically, sperm concentration was highest in the spring and lowest in the autumn. [3]
  • A “spring tide” has nothing to do with the season of spring. Rather, it connotes a “springing forth.” Spring tides happen twice each lunar month all year long, regardless of the season. [9]
  • Children actually grow faster in the spring than during other times of the year. [9]
  • The early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising sun on the spring equinox. [10]

The Great Sphinx aligns with the spring equinox

  • Studies show that suicide rates peak during the late spring and not during the holidays, as is commonly believed. [7]
  • A National Academy of Sciences study found that babies conceived in the spring are more likely to be premature. Scientists hypothesize that their mothers were nearing full term in January and February when seasonal flu cases spike—and pregnant women who contract the flu in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters have a slightly increased risk of premature labor. [6]
  • Multiple sclerosis relapses are more likely to occur during the spring and are least common in the fall. [5]
  • Tornadoes are most common in the spring and least common in winter. [11]
  • Every year, allergies constitute over 17 million outpatient office visits, mostly in the spring and fall. [1]

Some Baltic and Slavic countries burn an effigy of winter as a way to welcome spring

  • Every year on the first day of spring, people in Poland gather to burn an effigy and throw it in the river to bid winter farewell. [10]
  • While the term “spring” is useful to describe one of the four conventional temperate seasons, in subtropical and tropical climates, other terms are used to describe varying seasonal changes, such as dry or wet and monsoonal or cyclonic. [10]
  • Honeybees are more likely to swarm during the spring. They swarm as a way to start new colonies from successful ones. Surprisingly, swarming honeybees are very docile and the most friendly they will ever be all year. [12]
  • The U.S. spring season is culturally interpreted to be the day after President’s Day, which is the Tuesday after the third Monday in February, and ending on the Friday before Memorial weekend.

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Benefits of Seller Inspections

By Tory Lora • 01 Jun, 2020
When most people think of home inspections, they do so from the position of the buyer. However, seller inspections are also available, and they can be a valuable asset to anyone who wants top dollar for their home. If you are wondering what they provide, here’s a look at the benefits of seller inspections. Home Condition Overview A property’s condition has a major impact on its value. The issue is, most homeowners have unrealistic views of the home, usually because they are emotionally invested in the property. This could make them idealistic when it comes time to set a sales price, leading them to choose a figure that’s too high. Then, their house sits on the market. With a seller inspection, you can get an accurate assessment of your home’s condition. The inspector isn’t emotionally invested, so they will use an objective eye when reviewing the property. Once complete, the seller gets a report that gives them insight into their home’s actual condition, making it easier to assess its value. Problem Identification Many homeowners are only mildly to moderately aware of their home’s issues. Unless they have an issue that needs addressing, most property owners don’t examine their appliances, systems, and structure closely. Then, if they go to sell and the buyer schedules an inspection, the results catch the seller off-guard. Additionally, they get bombarded with repair requests or price reductions from the buyer based on the newly discovered problems. In the worst-case scenario, the buyer may even back out of the deal, leaving the seller to start again from square one. With a seller inspection, these difficulties become avoidable. An inspector will assess the property, noting any issues, and providing the current owner with a report. Then, you can take action, handling any repairs or issues in advance. When you get a seller inspection, you significantly decrease the odds that a buyer’s inspection will reveal a hidden issue. As a result, the deal is more likely to go through. Advertising Point If you get a seller inspection, you can add that detail to your home’s listing. When you do, there’s a chance your property will stand out from others in your area, especially if seller inspections aren’t overly common. When a buyer sees that the seller completed an inspection, it gives them peace of mind. They’ll know that an expert examined the property already, which may make them more comfortable. Additionally, if you pursued repairs and note they were addressed, the buyer is aware that you’ve handled problems proactively, increasing the sense of trust and making them feel safer about potentially buying your home. Process Acceleration When you get a seller inspection, you may be accelerating the purchase process. In some cases, if your seller inspector was highly reputable, the buyer may be willing to use those results in lieu of getting their own inspection. By going that route, the buyer saves time and doesn’t have to spend their own money on an inspector, making it an attractive choice. If that occurs, they could knock days or weeks off of the entire process, and that benefits you both. Ultimately, a seller inspection is a valuable tool. If you want to make sure your home is ready to list, consider making a seller inspection your first step.

Prepping Your Home for an Inspection

By Tory Lora • 01 Jun, 2020
Home inspections are a critical part of the buying and selling process. With an inspection, homebuyers gain valuable insights into a properties condition, a situation that could give them extra confidence, spur to repair requests, or lead them to back out of the deal. Since so much rides on the result of the inspection, sellers need to be diligent, ensuring their property is ready for the process. If a home inspection is on the horizon, here’s what you need to do to prepare. Make Everything Accessible During the inspection process, the inspector is going to examine every inch of your home. Ideally, you want to make sure their journey is unimpeded, ensuring the inspector can easily reach critical areas and systems. Begin by unlocking any gates or doors that aren’t accessible via a lockbox or other means. Additionally, any crawlspace access points need to be clear, including those located on the exterior and interior of your home. The same goes for attic access, which not only needs to be easy to open but simple to get inside. If the door has an attached ladder, make sure it can open fully. If a step ladder will be necessary, make sure there’s enough room for one to sit under the opening. Manage the Perimeter A home inspector doesn’t just look around inside your house; they also examine the exterior. You want to make sure that the perimeter is easy to look at, so it’s wise to clear away anything that could impede the inspector. For example, move garbage cans, barbecue grills, and patio furniture away from the walls. Additionally, clear away or cut back any plants that may be in the way. Address the Roof and Gutters If you haven’t examined your home’s roof or gutters recently, now is the time to do it. Grab a ladder, safely climb up, and look for issues you can address. For instance, if you see moss or debris, remove it. Clean out your gutters and check downspout positions. Examine your shingles for damage and, if needed, schedule repairs before the inspection. Clean the Interior While dirt doesn’t equal damage, that doesn’t mean cleanliness doesn’t matter during a home inspection. If an inspector sees grim or has to navigate a ton of clutter, the inspector’s mindset might skew negative. They might assume that, since your house isn’t clean, you don’t care for it properly. As a result, they may spend more time looking for issues or assume that some exist when they might not. Replace Bulbs, Batteries, and Filters Burned out light bulbs and dead smoke detector batteries won’t help you during a home inspection. Since the inspector won’t look into why the light is out or the smoke detector isn’t working, they may assume that an electrical, fixture, or device issue is to blame. By replacing your lightbulbs and batteries before the inspection, you can sidestep this potential problem entirely. Additionally, it’s wise to take a moment and replace your furnace filter. When a fresh one is in place, the inspector is more likely to believe that you maintain your home, increasing the odds that they’ll view the property in a positive light. Plan to Leave Early, and Take Your Pets As a seller, you won’t be present during the inspection. Make sure you are ready to go at least an hour before the appointment. If you have pets, then bring them with you, too. That way, they aren’t in the inspector’s way and won’t incidentally influence the process.

Benefits of Pre-Purchase Inspections

By Tory Lora • 01 Jun, 2020
A home is a major investment, and a pre-purchase inspection is a critical part of the buying process. Think of it this way; when you become a homeowner, you aren’t just securing shelter and getting a place for your stuff. Instead, you are selecting a property for the long-term, a place where you may raise a family, gather with loved ones, and celebrate special occasions. Over time, a home becomes filled with memories. Preferably, more good memories than bad. With a pre-purchase inspection, you may come face-to-face with some less than ideal situations, including some that could leave you stressed and regretting your investment. Comparatively, by getting a pre-purchase inspection, you are ensuring you have an opportunity to spot problems and have them addressed. Then, you can move forward with your purchase with confidence. If you are wondering what the benefits of pre-purchase inspections are, here’s what you need to know. Spotting Issues You Won’t Notice When you prepare to buy a home, it’s normal to view a property through rose-colored glasses. You may adore the layout or the architecture, causing you to overlook subtle things that could indicate big trouble. Additionally, unless you work in the construction field or a similar niche, you might not know an issue when you see one. A lack of expertise makes identifying problems tricky, if not downright impossible. With a pre-purchase inspection, an expert will come in to examine the property. They aren’t emotionally invested in the process, so their opinion won’t be skewed. Additionally, they are trained to identify problems, including subtle issues or warning signs that indicate trouble is on the horizon. Getting Needed Repairs or Discounts Once the pre-purchase inspection is complete, you’ll receive a report from the inspector. The document outlines precisely what the inspector discovered, including any potential hazards, structural problems, water leaks, appliance issues, or other defects and concerns. With the report in hand, the buyer has the ability to address the seller regarding the results. In some cases, the prospective buyer can request repairs based on what’s in the document, ensuring the seller addresses any issues before the purchase proceeds. Alternatively, if the prospective buyer is willing to shoulder the responsibility of the repairs themselves (and the issues wouldn’t prevent a loan or insurance from going through), they could request a lower sale price. With this approach, the buyer accepts the property in its current state but uses repair cost estimates to justify a lower offer, offsetting what they’ll need to spend on the fixes. Essentially, a home inspection can act as a bargaining chip. With the report, the buyer can make requests to alter their original offer, including repair conditions or price changes. Planning for the Future Planning for the Future At times, a home inspection will reveal wear-and-tear that isn’t bad enough to justify an immediate repair or replacement. When this occurs, it gives buyers helpful information that can make it easier to plan for the future. For example, a detailed pre-purchase inspection includes estimated “life expectancy” for appliances and systems. It lets the buyer know approximately when those items will need replacing, empowering them to prepare for the associated costs. Ultimately, pre-purchase home inspections are valuable tools. Without one, buyers may be caught by an unexpected issue. With one, they can have peace of mind and, with homes being such a major investment, that alone makes getting an inspection worthwhile.

October Spooktacular Events

By Tory Lora • 10 Oct, 2018
Here you can find links to some of this Fall’s best events local to the Sacramento community: Bel Air Carmichael Succulent & Pumpkin Party – https://business.facebook.com/events/471230853367382/ Join us for our first Fall Floral workshop! You’ll create your own beautiful Harvest centerpiece using succulents, pumpkins and Fall-floral accents. Danielle, our Floral Team Leader will be your […] The post October Spooktacular Events appeared first on .

Preventing Mold Growth During Winter

By Tory Lora • 04 Oct, 2018
Keep In Mind Mold spores are all around us, but the growth of mold can be prevented. Mold needs moisture, warmth and food in order to grow in your home. When you deprive mold of moisture, warmth and food, you will stop it from growing, but you won’t kill the mold that is already there. The […] The post Preventing Mold Growth During Winter appeared first on .

Prepare Your Home For Winter

By Tory Lora • 02 Oct, 2018
Easy Tips To Winterize Your Home Like raking leaves and planting bulbs, installing storm windows and cleaning gutters are telltale fall rituals. But what else can you do to prepare your home for sweater weather? Which steps can you take now to make this winter safe, comfortable, and healthy? To prepare your property for snow, […] The post Prepare Your Home For Winter appeared first on .

Golden State Inspection Services Launches Termite Control Company!

By Tory Lora • 14 Dec, 2017
We are excited to share with you the official launch of our pest inspection service, Defender Termite & Construction. The post Golden State Inspection Services Launches Termite Control Company! appeared first on .

Do You Need A Mold Inspection? #MoldInspection #PropertyInspections #HomeInspection

By Tory Lora • 27 Jul, 2017
Golden State Inspection Services inspects every kind of property for mold.   Whether you’re a home buyer looking at a property or a business owner concerned about your employee’s well-being, a mold inspection ensures your safety and health. Catching mold before it spreads means you save more money on repairs or save yourself from making […] The post Do You Need A Mold Inspection? #MoldInspection #PropertyInspections #HomeInspection appeared first on .

Why You Need A Commercial Inspection

By Tory Lora • 25 Jul, 2017
A commercial inspection can help your business’s structure stay in top shape.   Regular inspections enhance the durability of the roof. Roofs are exposed to the harshest weather conditions and will degrade in quality over time.   A regular check on your roof’s condition will extend its longevity. Contact Golden State Inspection Services today to […] The post Why You Need A Commercial Inspection appeared first on .

Seller Inspection – Property – Prevention

By Tory Lora • 18 Jul, 2017
Having your property inspected before you list it could be the perfect form of preventative action.   Home buyers, sales agents, or lawyers generally recommend an inspection. In this case, what’s good for the buyer is also good for the seller. Because surprises are equally damaging to sellers of property, the seller should get a […] The post Seller Inspection – Property – Prevention appeared first on .
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