Belarusians Welcome Spring
On March 21, 2015, astronomical spring will come to Belarus. The vernal equinox signals the beginning of nature’s renewal in the Northern Hemisphere that starts to tilt toward the sun, which means longer, sunnier days. On that day, Belarusians celebrate Kamaeditsa, also known as Gukanne Vyasny (Calling of Spring), a holiday to say farewell to winter and welcome spring. People have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years, and today the festival is viewed as a rejoicing of the nature’s renewal. The festival is traditionally accompanied by ritual spring songs, dances, and games.