Although Spring is now officially here, the weather still seems a little on the chilly side. In fact, the warmest spring on record was 2011 with an average daytime temperature of just 9.2°C. With the average mean temperature for spring being 7.7°C, we may not be doing that badly, but some higher temperatures would be warmly welcomed.
To celebrate the new season’s imminent arrival, here are some little-known facts on all things ‘spring’ to peruse while over your coffee and chocolate biscuit:
• The first spring technology was invented in the 14th century for chariots. They had a complex spring and suspension system built in, that helped increase their mileage.
• In 1493, Leonardo Da Vinci built the first spring into a pistol, which was the beginning of revolutionising the gun.
• Persephone was the Greek goddess of spring, who spent winters as Queen of the Underworld but returned in spring to preside over rebirth.
• Some researchers trace the origin of spring-cleaning to the ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the spring-time memorial feast of Passover.
• Spring onions are effective against eye disease and eye problems.
• In 1763 R. Tradwell invented the first ever coiled spring, under a British patent, which has now evolved to help make the car industry what it is today.
• One of the most common non-English languages spoken in Alice Springs is Italian.
• According to a Facebook study, couples are most likely to break up in the spring and two weeks before Christmas.