March 11, 2026 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
With the temperature outside slowly getting warmer and the need to go outside wearing layers of clothing dwindling, it’s that time of the year when we shake off the cobwebs of our dorm rooms to begin spring cleaning. As someone with a tight schedule, it has been a bit exhausting to think about how much of a mess my living space is. I still have a Christmas tree up. Still, the warmth of the weather and the sunlight poking through the clouds are good motivators to help at least think about spring cleaning.
One of the earliest references to cleaning during springtime is the Jewish tradition of Passover, which is still observed every year in March or April. During this event, all pieces of chametz (leavened bread) would be disposed of in the time leading up to the holiday. This is symbolic of an event known as the Exodus, which was when Moses helped the Israelites escape Egyptian slavery with God’s help. The removal of the bread symbolizes them being in such a haste that they weren’t able to wait for their bread to come before they had to make their journey.
In the Catholic faith, there is a similar tradition where, on Maundy Thursday, people will clean up the altars in churches. Maundy Thursday is a day that celebrates the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. Similar to Passover, this day happens in the months of March or April.
Nowruz, which is the Iranian or Persian New Year’s Day, has a tradition known as khāne-takānī or “shaking down the house.” This involves washing blankets, clothes and textiles in preparation for the new year.
Similarly, cleaning is very important for the Lunar New Year. In Chinese culture, it is known as “sweeping the dust.” They deep-clean their homes in order to rid them of bad luck and misfortune. Tidying the place up is said to bring good luck for the new year.
Spring is seen throughout the world as a time of renewal and growth, where life begins anew after the coldness of the winter months. As the leaves begin to form on the trees and flowers start to pop out of the grass, people tend to feel the need to replicate the “shiny” environment within their living space. It’s a common experience to feel somewhat tired during the cold months, as the “dead” appearance of the world makes it hard to get motivated.
Before modern technology, i.e., heating and insulation, homes that were in colder places were sealed up to prevent cold air from coming inside. This generated dust and soot that would build up. Once it began to get warmer, it was time to air out the home and clean up the mess that people literally could not clean during winter.
However, even in modern times, it is still wise to spring clean. Despite insulation, dust and allergens can still build up in the home over time, especially when it’s dark. It would be wise to try to clean out those hidden spots behind tables and shelves. Cleaning can also boost mental health. As someone who enjoys collecting things and is also a bit lazy, living in a cluttered area can be stressful. Coming home to a messy room is never enjoyable. Making the environment welcoming, fresh and comfortable will not only be more enjoyable, but also helpful to the mind at a time when finals are coming up.
Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu
