Are seasons important in dealing with life and death?

[TwoLeftSocks]

We're planting out a pear tree this weekend that we were given in a pot and DH said in passing 'that'll be a nice springtime thing to do'.

It's occurred to me that actually doing things to celebrate the seasons has become increasingly important to me, I'm wondering if it's something to 'replace' religion.

I've been an atheist for ten years and always outdoorsy (out enjoying all seasons) but this seems like more of a thing lately. I've also realised that I'm not very good with loss of any sort, even things like DS's teacher leaving shook me up alot, and I struggle alot with the idea of no life after death so I'm wondering if more earthly based stuff is important in dealing with that.

I think "celebrating the seasons" makes us more aware of the passing of time OP. And that makes us more aware of life and death IYSWIM.

I understand what you mean, maybe the word is spiritual rather than religious, it's the circle of life really isn't it, everything changes but the energy never dies.
I think you're fortunate to be able to appreciate these things as some people are oblivious to them. Hope you continue to enjoy the spring!

twoleftsocks- I feel a similar way., increasingly so as I become older.
I am an atheist, but I do feel a huge connectivity with life, the turning of the seasons, it helps me to appreciate and understand life.
I love to celebrate seasonal festivals, to mark the predictable changing of the year. i too have trees and plant tn my garden, to help me keep memories of departed loved ones alive.
Life is wonderous, magnificent, complex and elegant, whether it's the movement of the stars or a new seed busting into life. That sense of deep emotion may be called spiritual awareness, some may interpret it in a religious way if they believe in a deity,

Spirituality or religion have no relevance to me at all, but one of the reasons I like the uk is the seasons. OK, late winter is miserable (somebody tape up Rees-Mogg, let's keep summer time) but it makes you appreciate the rest all the more.

we should all be more in touch - expecting year round everything means we get year-round rubbish. Eat food in season, do things at the right time of year (not 3 months before) and we'd all be better.

specialsupject- so seasons do have a little relevance

Planting trees and shrubs is best done in Autumn so the roots have time to get established but there is something about planting in spring with leaves about to appear and blossom about to break.

If planting a tree helps you get in touch with something other than yourself then go for it.

greenheart- I'm not sure this was actually a gardening question.

In our front garden we have a large cherry tree. In my mind I associate it with a dear friend who died a few years ago. (His birthdays arrived with the blossom.)

Each year, there is a moment of beauty and then the petals fall like tears.

My DMIL died a few weeks ago. She connected into the world through her garden. I have just rediscovered an envelope she gave me full of seeds. I shall be planting them in her honour.

fourage seasons are indeed relevant, I just think they are a result of physical, chemical and biological effects rather than any higher power!

specialsubjeof t, I don't think they are a result of any higher power either. I doesn't stop them being magnificent and wonderous and touching my emotions deeply.

with you on that.

stop, pause and look. Something we all need to do.