The question about the end of
winter interests not only sailors and people who live by the sea, but everyone else as well. At school, we have all learned that winter ends on
March 21, officially the
first day of spring.
Climatologists use special calculations with which they determine the end of winter. On the other hand, people like sailors, fishermen, farmers and cattlemen have learned to predict the weather in their own way, relying on
various phenomena occurring in nature.
Those who live on the coast and the islands of the
Croatian Adriatic say that winter ends after three appearances of
bura in
March.
Bura is a severe
northeasterly wind that blows in gusts from the steep slopes of the
mountain range that spreads alongside the Adriatic coast. It usually brings fine weather, but is
strong,
dry and
cold by its nature.
Statistically, March is the
windiest month of the year, and the three appearances of
bura in March (known in the region as
tri marčane bure) are the last occasion when winter shows its teeth. An old folk saying claims that true spring arrives after
bura which blows on
March 7, 17 and 27. Interestingly, scientists more or less agree with this belief. With this post being written on March 26, it seems that there is only one more
bura to blow, and then spring can officially start on the Croatian coast.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!Another sign that spring has arrived is the appearance of
wild asparagus. This plant is very popular in coastal areas, especially in combination with
eggs for breakfast. I am always impatiently waiting for it. I will share advice on how to enjoy this incredibly healthy and delicious plant in one of my next posts. Until then,
