The Magic of Spring – As winter turns to spring, Sapporo Rejoices

Sil’s Weekly Digest from Sapporo, Japan

Spring time in Sapporo breathes a breath of magic into the air. Everyone feels alive, active and romantically attracted to the natural beauty of our Mama Earth.
I have always loved spring, as it’s commencement was marked by Holi in India. I love the festival of colors and the celebration of the wondrous chilly warmth of spring and the time to make fresh new resolutions and changes. In India, I had a ritual of spring cleaning and packing away all things winter as if I am singing a lullaby to them and making them sleep for a long period of time. I am always reminded of the intense joy I felt during Holi festival, when I was in my Alma Mater – Lady Shriram College for Women. Oh the celebration on the Residence Hall lawn with everyone and amazing snacks and happy girls, who of course turned into ghostly living modern arts! Also, you all know how famous and infamous our Jawaharlal Nehru University Holi Festival is. I used to go back every Holi there even after I passed out of the University. This year I couldn’t play holi in Japan, but my dear friend from Tokyo sent in a box of Holi happiness in the form of Jujiya and Indian jewelry. I was so happy and reminded of my Holi-days in Delhi.

In Sapporo, however, the case seems different. In the two seasons of Spring that I experienced here, I did have deep spring cleaning but the sleepy-time is not for all winter stuff. It just lightens in weight and warmth. I still sleep with the blankets from winter just as the number decreases. However, the sun shines in all its glory and brings rains and warmth that nurtures the Earth and all living creatures with so much love and energy. People pack away their headphones because the chirping of the birds create the music that touches the soul, the colors that emerge from the ground, that was so eerie and just white all 5 months of winter, instills such happiness, as if a blind person got sight. The numerous flowers, dancing in the crisp balming sun and breeze, that tickle you happily, turn even the most sad hearts to feel joyful and energetic.

In Japan each season is celebrated so meaningfully and deeply too. Spring is manifested in the change of food from warming winter foods to healthy, colourful fruits, vegetables and barbeques. Japanese cooking also reflects the change of season as people create the most kawaii – cute and delicate dishes that reflect the cherry blossom, spring colors and freshness. But I want to dedicate an entire article on spring foods here. I will just introduce you to one of my favorite mochis called Sakura Mochi – Cherry-blossom mochi.

Spring comes as a reward to the hard efforts made by people to survive during the long winters. Yes, people survived and now they want to feel alive in the short but tremendously rejuvenating spring season. From 4 am in the morning, you will find people of all ages walking, jogging, playing, or taking in the sun. I personally like to hike my favorite Mt. Maruyama is one amongst the many spectacular mountains here in Japan. Mt. Maruyama embraced me when I first came to Sapporo. I had left my street-smart and independent self, country, home, comfort and dear ones into the dependent life of a foreigner in Japan with no Japanese language to aid. I hiked without words, alone battling the massive changes in my life and having the foreigner’s depression and found solace and comfort in Mt. Maruyama. I thus go to pay my respect and love back to Maruyama whenever the opportunity affords.

As I write today, I am happy to share that I did climb it today initiating my one of many dates with this beautiful place. Above are some pictures for you. I felt so good and so happily tired. I felt worth-it and I felt I am beginning spring truly.

References:
https://gurunavi.com/en/japanfoodie/2017/05/spring-festivals-in-japan.html__ngt__=TT11b42c2b5004ac1e4aec02bxyiRKcEi3FQxJbNNGU2_k

Nilima Sil, Educator, NGO Professional, Foodie & Food Enthusiast, Traveler, Dance Enthusiast Sapporo, Japan