Awakening of Spring: The Harmony of Nature and Emotion

With the arrival of spring, nature awakens, offering us the sensation of longer days and warmth that is experienced not only physically but also emotionally. Our body is, from a scientific perspective, attuned to this period: biological processes such as photoperiodism are responsible for stimulating plant growth and rousing animals from their winter sleep. It is these physiological mechanisms that foster the beginning of new life cycles and the revitalization of nature.

But spring is not merely a collection of biological reactions. It is a time when the surrounding world bursts forth in vivid colors, the fresh scent of blooming flowers permeates the air, and a renewed life energy pervades our environment. During this season, feelings and desires awaken within us, echoing renewal and hope, while the warm sun and the interplay of spring light create a unique and uplifting emotional state.

Thus, the lengthening of days and the advent of warmth result not only from observable changes in nature but also from our personal, emotional perception of the approaching spring. This remarkable blend of science and sentiment renders spring a truly magical season, capable of inspiring and bringing joy to everyone.

What could explain the subjective sensation that the days are becoming longer and warmer?

The subjective feeling of lengthening days and increasing warmth can primarily be explained by the operation of our physiological mechanisms that respond to changes in the duration of daylight. When the amount of daylight increases in nature, processes such as plant growth and the arousal of animals from winter dormancy are activated—a phenomenon known as photoperiodism. For example, one source explains it as follows:
"During spring, physiological processes in organisms are activated, leading to the growth and flowering of plants; in birds, nesting instincts awaken. As autumn approaches, plants shed their leaves, animals molt, and accumulate fat... The response of organisms to the length of the day is called photoperiodism." (source: link )

Beyond these physiological reactions, our perception may be enhanced by the changes in the environment when nature awakens and begins to showcase new colors. This emotional and aesthetic perception of spring further shapes our sense that the days are growing longer and warmer. As another author notes,
"For somewhere, there is true warmth, true spring. Somewhere, birches, daffodils, and lilacs bloom. Somewhere, the sun pours its warmth in a golden, trembling stream... indeed, we already feel something distinctly spring-like in the air..." (source: link , page: 10.5.1935 Nadvoitsy)

Thus, the subjective experience of transitioning to longer and warmer days is influenced by both objective biological processes (such as photoperiodism) and the emotional perception of nature’s renewal, which we experience as the awakening of life after the winter period.

Supporting citation(s):
"During spring, physiological processes in organisms are activated, leading to the growth and flowering of plants; in birds, nesting instincts awaken... The response of organisms to the length of the day is called photoperiodism." (source: link )

"For somewhere, there is true warmth, true spring. Somewhere, birches, daffodils, and lilacs bloom. Somewhere, the sun pours its warmth in a golden, trembling stream... indeed, we already feel something distinctly spring-like in the air..." (source: link , page: 10.5.1935 Nadvoitsy)