In a post-industrial society spring does not really get much attention. Certainly living in the centre of London you hardly notice the arrival of spring. The weather is also so unpredictable so it is hard to know which season we are in. But today the sun was shining and when I went to the park for a walk I was certain spring had arrived. Tulips had shot up everywhere alongside daffodils, bluebells, primroses, crocuses, and trees blossoming pink, red, yellow, purple and other delightful shades.

Sadly most people are too caught up in modern life to really pay attention and take the renewal of the earth for granted, forgetting we were once a rural society in which fertility was the lifeblood of society. Gone are the fertility rites and the orgiastic festivals celebrating the superabundance of life. Gone is the may queen with her flowing white dress adorned with flowers.

We have lost our sense of connection with the earth and the seasons and in the process we have lost a part of ourselves.

It is interesting how dotted across europe variations, remnants of ancient pagan festivals, and myths passed down from generation to generation still persist even though the meaning and significance is lost.

Still I shall enjoy the charm of spring.