Varhaiskeväällä

Varhaiskeväällä refers to the early spring season in Finland. This period is characterized by the transition from winter to warmer weather, with noticeable changes in the natural environment and a shift in daily life for Finns.

The onset of varhaiskeväällä typically occurs in March and can extend into April, depending on the specific region of Finland. During this time, the snow cover begins to melt, revealing the frozen ground underneath. Rivers and lakes, which have been frozen for months, start to break up. The ice on the lakes, known as "jäiden lähtö," is a significant event, often celebrated and eagerly anticipated.

The days grow noticeably longer, and the sunlight gains strength. While temperatures can still be cold, especially at night, daytime temperatures begin to rise, often fluctuating between freezing and slightly above freezing. This creates a muddy and slushy landscape in many areas.

Wildlife also starts to stir. Birds begin their migration back from warmer climates, and their calls become more common. Small signs of plant life, such as the first buds on trees and the emergence of early spring flowers like snowdrops and crocuses in sheltered spots, start to appear.

For humans, varhaiskeväällä marks the end of the prolonged winter darkness and the beginning of outdoor activities. People start spending more time outside, and preparations for summer activities, such as gardening and planning outdoor leisure, often commence. It's a time of anticipation, with the promise of warmer weather and the full bloom of spring to come.