An Indigenous teaching on planting seeds to welcome spring

The first day of spring marks the beginning of longer days and more sunshine. The Spring Equinox, observed this year on Sunday, March 20, is seen as a time for change, growth and renewal. 

To mark the onset of spring, Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services (RASS) in Aboriginal Initiatives, a unit of the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, and Aboriginal Education Council hosted a Spring Equinox event. 

The university’s Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) Joanne Dallaire discussed the significance of the season, sharing teachings on planting seeds of growth and guiding the community through the traditional Indigenous practice of honouring sacred items.

Lighting a candle to represent the protection and healing of the sacred fire, Dallaire offered a prayer to start the ceremony that she described as a celebration of renewal and life. 

“The Spring Equinox is a very powerful season, a very powerful time,” said Dallaire. “These teachings on the equinox couldn’t be any more poignant than right now, given the state of the world and what we’re living through.”

Spring is about things awakening, she said. It’s about the snow melting; the hibernating animals waking up, stretching and coming out to feel the sunshine.

“It’s a time of planting seeds. Not only physically, but mentally. Some seeds could sprout right away, some maybe in a week or two, some may take a month, and some might take a whole season. But planting seeds helps us feel connected and grounded to our Earth. Even though it feels like there’s not a lot of chance for growth, there’s always opportunity for growth,” Dallaire told community members at the event.

People on this side of the world have a responsibility to put energy into planting seeds for those who can’t, she said. For those who are running and hiding from the horrors of war, this is the time to help them through our prayers, action and energy. 

“Every chance you get, just send out that energy of support. Think of it however you want to, envision that energy rushing over to their part of the world – maybe they will pick up on that vibe.”

Honouring sacred items 

Dallaire spoke about how the balance of light and darkness represented by the Spring Equinox also reflects our current realities. As pandemic restrictions start easing in North America and people start getting back to their lives, there are friends and families elsewhere who are facing unfathomable fears.

“Once again, we’re trying to find a balance between very painful restrictive realities and hope, renewal and rebirth. And the belief in the resiliency of humankind,” Dallaire said.

She went on to guide community members through a traditional smudging ceremony to recognize and celebrate sacred items, explaining their spiritual significance and the responsibility to care for the spirit they embody. 

But she also reminded us of the most important sacred item in our possession – ourselves. 

“Respect that you are your most precious sacred item. You can’t give to others what you don’t have. I can’t support other people if I’m not supporting myself. You need to take care of yourself.”

As we welcome spring and plant seeds of hope, she encourages the community to keep her teachings in mind, and be kind to ourselves and each other.

The Spring Equinox is an annual event that aims to build awareness about traditional and sacred Indigenous practices amongst Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members in the spirit of learning and respect.