GoKlean Simplifies the History of Spring Cleaning
Spring has sprung, and with it comes the urge to clean everything in sight! But where did this tradition of spring cleaning come from? Why do we feel the need to clean at this specific time of year? Did you know that the history of spring cleaning dates to ancient times? It's true! Perhaps that is why spring cleaning practically feels primordial.
People have been cleaning their homes and getting rid of dust and grime since long before modern conveniences were even invented. In this blog post, we will explore the history of spring cleaning and discuss some of the reasons why so many people feel compelled to clean in the springtime.
The tradition of spring cleaning can be traced to multiple ancient cultures - exactly which one came first is debatable but is clear is that throughout the world cleaning in spring has been the norm.
The Persians (residing in modern day Iran) would clean and purify their homes in a two-week celebration of "shaking the house" before Nowruz, the new year, which coincided with the vernal equinox (the solar calendar's start of spring) entering the new year with fresh start.
In Jewish custom (which continues to the present), homes are thoroughly cleaned for the month prior to Passover, the celebration of liberation from slavery, to remove any crumbs of leavened (yeasted) bread called chametz in remembrance of the exodus out of Egypt. While this tradition is not about cleaning dirt, we can be certain that any cleaning this thorough will rid a home of dirt in the process.
In Catholic tradition (which continues today but is not always common), the personal preparation of Lent turns during Holy Week, the final week of Lent, to external preparation of the home and cleaning as an outward sign of the family's preparations of their souls prior to the celebration of the remembrance of events of the Easter triduum.
In China, homes are cleaned and thoroughly swept prior to the Lunar New Year to rid them of bad luck and misfortune that may have accumulated during the prior year. Interestingly for several days at the beginning of the new year no sweeping is allowed to avoid accidentally removing good luck brought in.
In Thailand and other Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia spring brings Songkran, a festival of purification. People use water to clean their homes, the streets, each other, and most importantly statues of Buddha to wash away sin and bad luck whilst asking for blessings and good luck in the coming year.
Perhaps the origins behind spring cleaning are more scientifically based? In winter there are fewer hours of sunlight, which causes humans to produce more melatonin, the hormone that causes sleepiness. As the hours of sunlight increase the production of melatonin decreases and humans feel energized. Maybe spring cleaning is a biological imperative?
So there you have it! A brief history of spring cleaning and some of the reasons why so many people choose to do it each year. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition.
Give the GoKlean team a call and we'll help you find the right products for your spring AND every day cleaning needs!
**Websites referenced in preparation of this blog include: sparefoot.com, bobvila.com, wikipedia.com, countryliving.com, and howstuffworks.com.