So here we are the last day of April. In Swedish it is known as Valborg or Sista April. Large bonfires are lit and everyone sings songs of spring. Before this festive occasion,however, is the sighting of the first spring flowers. For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere that is March or April. They are known as Blue Anemone. The book Linnea's Almanac came to mind. Do you remember her from Monet's garden. Here she has a nature activity for every month of the year. We consult her often and really enjoy ourselves. Linnea's Almanc is written by Lena Andersson and Christina Björk
What could be better after a long, cold and dark winter here in the north, than the first days of spring? When you can be outside without winter clothing and you won't freeze. When you feel the warmness of the sun and you even may need sunglasses. You walk around, take deep breaths and smell a new scent, the smell of spring. Butterflies are waking up and flying all around in the bushes that are just starting to get their new leaves.
Best of all is the Blåsippa (Anemone Hepatica). They are so beautiful and they often grow in big groups and color the green grass blue.
All Swedish children know the song about Blåsippan and it is sung at day nurseries and schools all over Sweden. They will sing the song to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Blåsippan ute i backarna står,
niger och säger att "nu är det vår".
Barnen de plockar små sipporna glatt,
rusar sen hem under rop och skratt.
"Mor, nu är våren kommen, mor!
Nu får vi gå utan strumpor och skor!
Blåsippan ute i backarna stå,
har varken skor eller strumpor på!
Mor i stugan hon säger så:
"Blåsippor aldrig snuva få.
Än få ni gå med strumpor och skor,
än är det vinter kvar", säger mor.
The blue anemone blooms now,
Curtsies and says "spring is here".
Children merrily pick the flowers,
And rush home, laughing.
"Mom! Spring has come now, mom!
Now we can go without socks and shoes!
The blue anemone outside
Wears neither sock nor shoe!
Mother, in the house, says:
"Blue anemones never catch cold.
You must still wear socks and shoes!
It's still winter", says mother.
