Science & Basics
What astronomical event marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere?
The Vernal Equinox
In Japan, what tree is celebrated for its pink and white blossoms in Spring?
Cherry Blossom Tree (Sakura).
What spring holiday is celebrated every April 22nd to support environmental protection?
Earth Day
According to Greek mythology, Peresephone is the goddess of what?
Spring
The Spring season, especially the period of April-June is known for what potential violent weather phenomenon, especially throughout the Midwestern United States?
Tornadoes
What does the word "equinox" mean in Latin?
"Equal night" (referring to day and night being nearly equal in length).
What is the most significant cause of seasonal allergies in the Spring?
Pollen
What traditional spring activity involves deep-cleaning a home from top to bottom?
Spring Cleaning
What time-shifting practice typically begins on the second Sunday of March in the US and Canada?
Daylight Saving Time
Throughout the Spring, collisions between cold, dry air descending southward from Canada and warm, moist air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico can result in what dangerous type of weather throughout the interior of North America?
Severe Thunderstorms
In which month does spring officially begin in the Northern Hemisphere?
March (March 19, 20 or 21)
Name one of the two birth flowers for March
Daffodil and Jonquil
Which Indian "Festival of Colors" is celebrated in spring to welcome the new season?
Holi
What famous poem by T.S. Eliot begins with the line "April is the cruelest month"?
The Waste Land
Ice jams on rivers, combined with snowmelt and/or heavy rain can result in what hazard?
Flooding
Which pole is tilted toward the sun during the Spring Equinox?
Neither; at the exact moment of the equinox, the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun.
Besides the increase in temperature, what is the other most significant factor in triggering trees to begin leafing out?
Increase in day length
Which Jewish holiday during the Spring celebrates the Exodus and freedom from Egyptian slavery?
Passover (Pesach)
Who composed the famous set of violin concertos titled The Four Seasons, which includes "Spring"?
Antonio Vivaldi
During the Spring, does land or water warm more rapidly?
Land
What was spring called in England before the 14th century?
Lent
What are "April showers" famously said to bring?
May Flowers
Which day is regarded as one during which to perform pranks?
April Fool's Day (April 1)
The NCAA Division I Men's/Women's Basketball Championship is popularly called what?
March Madness
On May 10, 1977, residents of Central and Eastern Massachusetts awoke startled to find what?
As much as 12-20 inches of snow in some areas. The heaviest amounts fell in Worcester County. Boston received a slushy 1-3 inches.
The heavy snow load on fully foliated tree branches caused significant limb failure, leading to power line damage and road obstructions.