Glen Grove Community Project

March 2024: Changing of the Seasons

Colors of Spring

When we think about traditions surrounding the coming of spring, we often think of celebrations outside of the United States... the colors of Holi, red and white strings of Baba Marta, or green shamrocks of St. Patrick's Day. We look for signs that spring has sprung with the promise of warmer weather and blue skies ahead.

Believe it or not, there are some amazing (and some peculiar) ways that people mark the beginning of spring across the United States. Here are just a few of them:

Frozen Dead Guy Days (Colorado) - celebrated in the second week of March since 2002, it is a day that commemorates the cryopreservation of Bredo Morstoel by his family in the town of Nederland. The whole town watches a documentary on Bredo Morstoel's life and celebrates with polar plunges and coffin races.
Elkfest (Wyoming) - a celebration of nature and auctioning of elk antlers, which are shed in mid to late March (the shedding does not hurt the animals). Money raised goes to western Wyoming Scouting programs and the National Elk Refuge.
Baltimore Mac & Cheese Festival (Maryland) - an annual event for mac and cheese lovers everywhere; you can sample numerous types of the beloved dish and take part in all the mac and cheese -themed activities.
Waikiki Spam Jam (Hawaii) - another food-centric celebration, Spam Jam invites participants to serve unique SPAM recipes, participate in SPAM-inspired activities, and donate to a food drive.
Fire Ant Festival (Georgia) - a celebration where all are invited, except the ants. Activities include fire ant calling, arts and crafts, a carnival, contests, and more.

Even in Chicago, the act of dying the Chicago River a radioactive-looking green may seem quite odd to those looking at the tradition from the outside. When I saw the river for myself for the first time a few years ago, I surprised at how green it was and questioned its purpose.

Of course, after doing a little digging, I was surprised to find out that the green dye was originally used to identify the source of leaky pipes; it was part of an initiative to clean up the Chicago River's waterfront areas by discovering where sewer water was coming from. It inspired the Plumbers Local Union to use it for a more a festive purpose in 1962 - and it has been an iconic Chicago event ever since.

No matter quirky or wacky some celebrations of spring came to be, they all stemmed from a desire for warmer weather. I personally wouldn't consider fire ants symbolic of the changing of the seasons, but it makes a memorable way for communities to come together to welcome the transition from the cold of winter and to the warmer, sunnier skies of spring.

Holidays About Changing Seasons that Gators Celebrate

Upcoming Holidays & Important Events

Women's History Month - March 1 to 31

A month dedicated to learning about and celebrating the accomplishments of women in various fields. This year, Women's History Month will focus on "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion."

National Geographic Kids

PBS' List of Children's Books to Celebrate Women's History Month

March 10 to April 8 - Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a special time for reflection, fasting, and community. It is celebrated with prayers, giving of charity, and fasting. Overall, it is a time to show kindness to others and self-improvement.

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

Started as a day to commemorate a religious Christian leader, the holiday has become a celebration of Irish culture. Many places around the world host parades and many people wear green or shamrocks for good luck.

March 19 - Nowruz

Known as Persian New Year, Nowruz is celebrated by various regions and religions across eastern Europe and Western/Central Asia. It is celebrated with families gathering together, cleaning homes, and sitting around a specially decorated table.

March 23 to 24 - Purim

Also called the “Festival of Lots,” it is a Jewish holiday commemorating when the Jewish people were saved from Haman as told from the Book of Esther.

March 25 - Holi

Also known as the “Festival of Colors” or the “Festival of Love,” Holi celebrates the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is well-known for its tradition of communities using powdered paints on the streets in celebration.

March 31 - Western Christian Easter

Easter is a celebration of new life and renewal, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. In the northern hemisphere it is celebrated with spring-related symbols such as baby chicks, bunnies, eggs, and bright colors.

Autism Awareness Month - April 1 to 30

Autism Awareness Month highlights education and advocacy regarding autism, a condition that affects neurological development, affecting communication, learning, and behavior.

April 1 - Assyrian New Year

Assyrian people around the world celebrate their culture and history on this day.

April 15 - Vishu

Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated with viewing golden blossoms, money or silver items, cloth, rice, fruits, mirrors, and other harvest products, as it is believed that you want to see things that bring prosperity and luck.

Mark Your Calendars For

Sign up to bring/host a game at Gator Games Night!

Parents and staff can sign up to host a game at Games Night! We are also looking for staff to volunteer for the Students vs. Teachers Rock, Paper, Scissors Showdown! See a GGCP member to learn more!

Also....

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Interested? Sign up to be part of the fun!

Join us for...

Event Information

GGCP Meeting @ GG

We will start planning Games Night & fundraising. Talk to a GGCP member for more information

When?

Thursday, Apr 4, 2024, 03:00 PM

Community Blurb #6: Women We Admire

In honor of Women's History Month, we asked our Gators about the women they admire! From mothers to leaders to singers to writers... there are so many women who inspire our young ones!

Click the image to watch the video.

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Family Cooking Night: Sabzeh for Nowruz

While it isn't really a recipe, Sabzeh is often the first thing that is prepared for Nowruz because it takes a while to grow. Sabzeh, lentil plants, are symbols of life and rejuvenation. All you need are lentils, water, and a plate to start growing Sabzeh for your Nowruz celebration!