No matter where you are in the world, the springtime season brings a feeling of hope, growth, and new beginnings.
From celebrating the joy of a lovely Spring evening to protecting oneself against its moody weather with an extra layer, we’ve collected several idioms, sayings and expressions across different cultures that express universal sentiments about the season.
1. A new spring, a new sound.
Dutch: Een nieuswe lente, een nieuw geluid
This line is one of the most famous in Dutch impressionist literature, first appearing in Herman Gorter’s great epic poem, May (1889), and leading up to a euphoric celebration of Spring.
Today, the opening sentence of this famous poem has become a standing Dutch expression, one that reminds us to embrace the freshness of new life and new beginnings.
2. One moment of a spring evening is worth a thousand gold pieces.
Japanese: 春宵一刻値千金 (Shunsho ikkoku, atai senkin)
This Japanese expression originally came from a passage in “Spring Night”, a poem written by Chinese poet, politician and calligrapher Su Shin during the North Song Dynasty.
Literally, “ikkoku” means a short time, roughly 30 minutes, while “senkin” means a thousand cars, representing a lot of money. In Japan, this saying celebrates the splendor of a spring evening, while in China, it is used to express the love between men and women.
3. Springtime beats its drums.
Arabic: الربيع يدك طبولة
The arrival of spring is often marked by the chirps, buzzes and sounds of birds, bees and other creatures that stay dormant or silent during the winter. This Arabic saying alludes to the feeling that, more than any season, the emergence of spring feels like one that’s heralded by the exciting rhythm of drums.
4. Spring is the season of love.
Italian: La primavera è la stagione dell’amore
This straightforward Italian expression revels in the romance of the springtime season. As people flock outdoors, warmer weather and longer days inspire the exchange of sweeter smiles and glances — a recipe for romance.
5. One swallow does not make spring.
French: Une hirondelle ne fait pas le printemps
This French proverb has a very similar English counterpart: “One swallow doesn’t make a summer.” Swallows are migratory birds that often reappear when spring arrives. However, this saying reminds us not to draw hasty conclusions from a single event or isolated fact.
Simply because we see a single swallow doesn’t mean that spring is coming right away — sometimes, one of these birds can randomly appear before the true start of the season.
6. In April, there are a thousand waters.
Portuguese: Em Abril águas mil
This popular Portuguese saying alludes to the fact that in their country, it rains in torrents when April comes around.
Around the world, different cultures feel the same about this particular springtime month, from the English expression “April showers bring May flowers” to the German expression “April does what it wants (April macho was er will)“.
7. In Spring there are orchids, in Autumn there are chrysanthemums.
Mandarin Chinese: 春兰秋菊 (chūn lán qiū jú)
This Chinese expression is a reminder of the inherent beauty that exists within the year’s natural lifecycle. No season is better or worse than another. We can appreciate beautiful orchids during springtime, while looking forward to the chrysanthemum flowers of autumn. Similarly, we can find qualities to feel grateful during every stage of our path.
8. Until the 40th of May, do not take off your sweater.
Spanish: Hasta el 40 de mayo, no te quites el sayo
While this oral Spanish proverb is several centuries old, it didn’t made its first written appearance until 1896. Sevilian folklorist Francisco Rodríguez Marín used it in the following form: “Until May 40, do not take off your coat; And if it rains again, put it back on.”
Today, this piece of wisdom cautions against packing away warm layers until May 40 (which falls on June 9, if you count the extra number of days after the official end of May). You may otherwise be unpleasantly surprised by patches of chilly weather.
9. Rainfall is followed by sunshine.
German: Auf Regen folgt Sonnenschein
This popular German expression has a similar English counterpart “Every cloud has a silver lining”. When we are down, this saying encourages us to think positively and look forward, as things will very likely get better.
Just as in nature, bright sunshine appears after the gloom of rain, we should remember that all negative events are as temporary as weather — they will pass and may even be followed by a happy or uplifting event.
Do you have a favorite spring-related expression or saying that we missed? Email us or DM us on Instagram!
