Why Spring — Not January — Is the True Start of the New Year
- Lynne D Jones
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
As we pack away the festive lights and stumble into January, many of us feel an overwhelming pressure to embrace “new beginnings”. We are bombarded with messages encouraging us to set resolutions, overhaul our habits, and launch into the year at full speed. But for many, January feels like wading through treacle — an uphill slog against the natural rhythm of the season. And there’s a very good reason for that.
The Ancient Calendar and the Wheel of the Year
Long before the introduction of the modern Gregorian calendar, ancient cultures across the British Isles marked time through the Wheel of the Year — a cyclical calendar closely attuned to the seasons. Celebrations like Imbolc (early February), Beltane (May), Lughnasadh (August), and Samhain (October) reflected the natural shifts in light, life, and energy.
In the Celtic tradition, Samhain (31st October–1st November) was often seen as the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. It was a time of rest, reflection, and deep connection with the unseen world. The darker months were not about “getting things done” — they were a time to turn inward, to dream, and to prepare for the renewal of spring.
Why January Feels So Heavy
January in the UK is often bitterly cold, dark, and wet. The days are short, with the sun making a reluctant and brief appearance, and many of us are running on depleted stores of Vitamin D, leaving us more prone to tiredness, low mood, and a general lack of motivation.
Biologically, humans are wired to slow down during the winter months. Historically, our ancestors would have rested more during winter, conserving energy until the earth started to stir again. Yet, modern society pushes us to do the opposite — to make drastic changes when our bodies and minds are least equipped for them.
It’s no wonder that New Year’s resolutions so often fail within a few weeks. We are setting ourselves up against the natural rhythm of life.
Spring: The True New Beginning
If we listen to the land, it’s in spring that life truly begins anew. Imbolc, celebrated around 1st–2nd February, marks the first signs of stirring — the first snowdrops bloom, lambs are born, and the earth begins to wake from its slumber.
By Spring Equinox (around 20th–21st March), the days and nights balance, and light starts to win over darkness. Energy returns. Buds open. There’s a tangible sense of potential in the air. Spring is a time of true renewal, perfectly suited for planting seeds — both literal and metaphorical.
Starting fresh in spring aligns us with the energy of growth, movement, and expansion. It’s when nature herself is stretching, reaching, and bursting into new life.
Honouring Ancient Wisdom
Tuning back into these older rhythms can bring a deep sense of relief and connection. Instead of forcing ourselves to make major life changes in January, we can use this time to reflect, plan, and dream quietly. Then, as spring arrives, we can move into action with the full support of the season’s energy behind us.
Celebrating small rituals at Imbolc — lighting a candle to welcome the return of light, tidying spaces to prepare for growth — can feel far more nurturing and sustainable than the all-or-nothing mentality of January resolutions.
Thoughts of Nature
Our ancestors understood the wisdom of working with, not against, the cycles of nature. Maybe it’s time we reconnected with that ancient knowledge.
So if January has felt heavy, slow, or uninspiring, know that you are not failing. You are simply human. Let yourself rest. Dream quietly through the winter. And when the first real warmth of spring kisses the earth, you’ll be ready to step forward into your own new beginning — just as nature intended.
Boo Creative Studio is a creative digital marketing company with a passion for crafting exceptional web designs, captivating web graphics, and effective social media strategies. With a focus on showcasing portfolios, we bring a unique blend of creativity and expertise to every project, ensuring our clients stand out in the digital landscape.
Grab yourself a coffee and click the button below to find out how we can help your business grow online.
