In many ways spring is the most beautiful time of the year in Transcarpathia. After what sometimes seem to be never ending months of winter and cold, spring comes as promised, seemingly overnight this year. Green and color emerge, people come out of hibernation, and agriculture, which consumes much of life here, starts with a fury. While winter can be beautiful with pristine snow falls, it is more commonly periods of grey clouds, cold, snow, mud and terrible roads. Spring is a welcomed change. We experienced cold weather and snow up until the middle of April when suddenly the weather abruptly changed, leaving us with 70 and 80 degree weather these past five weeks. In stark contrast to the grey winter months,
Transcarpathia comes to life with unbelievable vivid color that one probably does not typically attribute to Ukraine. Flowers and plants grow as though Miracle Grow is ever present in the soil. Fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, among other things, grow in abundance. Roses and many other flowers flourish. People have the most vibrant rose gardens we have ever seen. Tulips, daffodils, narcissus, hyacinth, hydrangeas, pansies, sunflowers, and many other flowers thrive here in this climate. Pink and white blossoms of fruit trees pepper the villages and country side in amazing color for a few weeks during spring. We are constantly reminded of the beauty and diversity found in the creation of our God. His creation is a reflection of His glory and an unbelievable display of His handy work.
Spring is also a fascinating time of tradition and custom in Transcarpathia. Spring is a time of celebrations of Easter and Pentecost, among other holidays. For more reading on Spring Holidays, please see our previous blog on Easter.
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