When spring rolls around, our thoughts coincidentally turn to spring cleaning. But have you ever wondered where and who started that tradition? Could it possibly also have a spiritual connotation? Well I found out that spring cleaning has several possible origins. First, some attribute it to the ancient Jewish practice of cleansing the home for the spring feast of Passover. During this time, Jews refrain from eating or drinking any foods that are leavened or fermented by yeast. Therefore, any ‘crumbs’ are cleared out that could be tempting as a form of spring cleaning.
Also, the Ostara (named for the Goddess Eostre) or Spring Equinox has been celebrated for centuries in March by our pagan ancestors, and is how many current Easter traditions began such as rabbits and eggs. We still honor those early traditions where the earth comes to life again after the slumber of winter; where festivals rejoice in the light, fresh air and new growth that springs from the earth as well as a time of fertility, newborn animals and greening fields. Certainly, spring can be a time of renewal and freeing yourself of things that were hidden or held you back over the winter.
For Catholics, on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, the church altar is thoroughly cleaned. Also, during the first week of Lent, tradition calls for a good house cleaning before or during that time. As a child we often thoroughly cleaned up the house before Easter for our guests and purchased or Mother sewed us new outfits. If we were lucky we even got new white patent leather shoes!
The Persian new year falls on the first day of spring, and Iranians practice “khooneh tekouni” which translates to “shaking the house” before the new year including cleaning everything including furnishings and drapes . In Scotland and some other countries like Ireland and New Zealand, the tradition is for a New Year’s cleaning takes place on Hogmanay (December 31).
Parts of spring cleaning are pure practicality especially in wet climates when dusting and cleaning can be done as the weather warms up enough to open doors and windows when wind and rain have died down. In earlier times when houses were heated by coal, the walls were cleaned of soot residue when the weather warmed enough to cut off the furnace. It always feels good to let the fresh air in after a winter of dry, stagnant air.
In 2003, National Spring Cleaning week began. You can visit their website for tips and ideas about freshening your home. This year that week was March 14-20th, which we just missed, but there is still much of spring left to do your own cleaning!
Traditionally, spring is associated with a time of renewal, of beginning new projects and the cleaning out of the old. In our culture many of us are ‘overstuffed’ with possessions that overflow our drawers, closets and storage units. George Carlin, comedian, famously spoke of having a place for our stuff, and many of us have just too much of it!
Have you ever considered the spiritual implications of clutter? Metaphysically speaking, excess does not serve us well and by holding on to things it may cause us to be stuck in our old patterns of thinking. Do we hold on to things we value? Or things that make us happy and bring us joy? Or might some things trigger our fears? You might consider the reasons you cling to your extra stuff and how to release old patterns of thought.
In a recent article, Linda Potter points out that “what we accumulate should honor and celebrate the sacred creative expression of our relationship with God.” After all what we own should not define us; what we keep should enrich and give our lives more value. Release the rest to someone who it might bless. Having to care for, clean and store excessive things puts undue burdens on us which can be lightened by their removal.
Have you heard of lack and limitation thinking? Or what you focus on expands? By holding on to things that no longer serve you, you are limiting the expansion of your life into other areas and blocking the energy of abundance. Donating is a form of practicing the Law of Circulation, giving and receiving and continuing the flow of life. If you haven’t used something for a year or more, or worn it, you probably won’t miss it! It is the principle of Feng shui too. As you clear out spaces and clutter you allow for new people and creativity in your life!
Consider your body and your home as sacred vessels. When we put too much food into our bodies, we gain weight and it hurts us to carry that extra around. The same with our homes, though thankfully we don’t have to carry them on our backs like a turtle! Both can cause disease too. The more we work on our insides, whether it be our emotions or our closets, we free energy to create the lives we are meant to be living.
Finally, do you want to be remembered for the gifts and talents you shared with the world or the material things you accumulated? Mother Teresa lived a meager life but she gave so much to the world! Think about making this a spring that brings balance, joy and new possibilities for your life by clearing out the things that no longer bring you joy! Enjoy your new found energy!
If you need my help, see my Organize to Energize page on this website and matching Facebook page.
My spring gift to you is a list I found that I love from organizing magazine; please save and post it for reference!
10 MUST FOLLOW ORGANIZING RULES
- Everything has a specific home
- Put things back every time
- Set limits- if you bring in something new, something old goes!
- Contain items as much as possible.
- Small steps equal large gains – just start somewhere
- Keep at least one small spot organized at all times
- Do it NOW! Tomorrow is not guaranteed
- Follow through completely – don’t leave a project partially done.
- Reward yourself when you finish something.
Make adjustments. Nothing will stay organized forever. Our interests change over time. Make room for the new but clear out the old.