Friends! Romans! Countrymen! It's finally Spring!!
Much as I love winter with its cosy sweaters, warm drinks, and rosy cheeks, there's nothing quite like Spring. Whether it's driving with the windows down and your favorite sunglasses, having a picnic with friends, or taking an evening walk and smelling the incredible spring blossoms (Particularly by the president's house, by the way, if you happen to live on campus), Springtime is definitely a time to celebrate life and new beginnings. And there's no better way to put a little spring in your step (ooh, too cheesy?) than with a some great upbeat tunes.
Read on to hear some of my top picks for this Spring, and to brush up on your history of the Spring Equinox. Please comment and leave your own favorite Spring time songs, or just make fun of me for mine!
1. Hall and Oates- "You Make My Dreams Come True"
Because it's just not Spring with a little Hall, and a little Oates. Plus, for those of you who've seen 500 Days of Summer, it's the perfect song to dance down the street to.
2. Old Crow Medicine Show- "Wagon Wheel"
I know some people may not like country, but this song fits beautifully into any springtime setting. With an incredibly nostalgic feel, this song is perfect for driving down a country road at dusk (which, believe it or not, I do on a pretty regular basis).
3. Michael Buble- "Haven't Met You Yet"
I know Mr. Buble has a bad rep as being a smarmy, greased up pretty-boy, but I have to admit, I really like this song. The 70s piano, cute lyrics, and Michael's silky voice blend together surprisingly well, and I have to say this song gets me dancing
4. Martin Sexton- "Diner"
This song makes me get up and dance absolutely no matter what I'm doing. I found it on a episode of scrubs on time, and I haven't looked back since :)
5. Keb Mo- "Life Is Beautiful"
Usually known for his laid-back blues riffs and mellow voice, this song from Keb Mo's 2006 album Suitcase is upbeat and positive. Added bonus, he's an incredible guitar player :)
6. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes- "Janglin'"
A new fabulous indie band with about 10 members, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes just released their debut album, "Up From Below." Check it out!
7. Paul Simon- "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"
South African music always makes me incredibly happy. As does Paul Simon. So string up some tea lights, cook some pasta, and crank up Paul Simon's "Graceland" for the perfect evening dinner party.
8. Xavier Rudd- "Let Me Be"
Hailing from Australia, I found Xavier Rudd's music while studying abroad. This song is a great pick-me up while walking to class, and his adorable low budget music video makes this song a worthy choice.
9. Matt Costa- "Sunshine"
The answer is in the title. Plus, ladies, have you looked into his eyes? What's not to love?
10. Cat Stevens- "If You Want To Sing Out Sing Out"
One of my favorite songs from childhood. I think the 60s and early 70s were a very good time for happy Springtime songs. Thanks flower children!!
Thanks for stopping by, loyal readers!! Hope your Spring is a fabulous one
Not enough happy?? Well, maybe this will help:
History of the Spring Equinox:
The early Romans used a lunar calendar in which months alternated between 29 and 30 days. It was not a precise measure; it gradually fell out of step with the seasons. Julius Caesar reformed the calendar by switching its base from lunar to solar. The day on which the vernal equinox occurred was defined as MAR-25. The length of the year was fixed at 365 days, with an additional leap-year day added every fourth year. This made the average length of a year equal to 365.25 days, which was fairly close to the actual length of the year: 365.2422 days.
The annual error of 0.0078 days accumulated over time until it became unmanageable. A second reform of the calendar was ordered by Pope Gregory XIII. Under the new system, 1582-MAR-21 CE became the date of the vernal equinox, the year 1582 was shortened by ten days, and future centennial years (1600, 1700...2000) were not considered leap years unless they were divisible by 400. 5
The Gregorian Calendar continues in general usage today. Eventually, its 0.0003 day annual error will accumulate and necessitate an elimination of a leap-year day circa 4915 C (B.A Robinson, History of Spring).
History of the Spring Equinox:
The early Romans used a lunar calendar in which months alternated between 29 and 30 days. It was not a precise measure; it gradually fell out of step with the seasons. Julius Caesar reformed the calendar by switching its base from lunar to solar. The day on which the vernal equinox occurred was defined as MAR-25. The length of the year was fixed at 365 days, with an additional leap-year day added every fourth year. This made the average length of a year equal to 365.25 days, which was fairly close to the actual length of the year: 365.2422 days.
The annual error of 0.0078 days accumulated over time until it became unmanageable. A second reform of the calendar was ordered by Pope Gregory XIII. Under the new system, 1582-MAR-21 CE became the date of the vernal equinox, the year 1582 was shortened by ten days, and future centennial years (1600, 1700...2000) were not considered leap years unless they were divisible by 400. 5
The Gregorian Calendar continues in general usage today. Eventually, its 0.0003 day annual error will accumulate and necessitate an elimination of a leap-year day circa 4915 C (B.A Robinson, History of Spring).
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