We’ve all heard the phrase ‘spring cleaning’… but do we actually know where the phrase comes from? Why ‘Spring’ cleaning…? Interestingly enough, the concept of Spring Cleaning actually has a rich and long-standing history, spanning numerous continents, cultures and religious influences.
Modern Day Spring Cleaning
Nowadays, spring cleaning (particularly in Australia) is a phrase often used to describe a thorough one-off cleaning of the home, regardless of the season – though often still executed during the Spring time following what can be a gloomy (Melbourne) winter, and in anticipation for the summer holidays!
In North America and the United Kingdom (our two biggest cultural influences), where the winter climates are traditionally much wetter and colder, spring traditionally presents the first opportunity for refreshing the house after a long winter spent mainly indoors, with windows shut and dust gathering… but spring cleaning traditions are speculated to go back way further than this!
Ancient Jewish Traditions
Spring Cleaning has been traced back to the ancient Jewish practice of cleansing the home before the memorial feast of Passover, which is followed by the 7 Days of Unleavened Bread, taking place at the start of the spring season.
Representing God’s commands to hastily flee Egypt, with no time to let their bread rise, there are strict restrictions on eating foods fermented with yeast (known in Hebrew as ‘chamentz’) during this 7 days, and thus Jews to this day will carry out a thorough ‘spring cleaning’ of their homes, to remove all reminisce of chamentz crumbs in anticipation for the religious holiday.
Greek Orthodox Traditions
In Greek and other orthodox nations, it is customary to perform a thorough cleaning of the home right before the week of Great Lent which takes place at the beginning of spring. Beginning with ‘Clean Monday’, the entire week is often referred to as ‘Clean Week,’ referring to leaving behind sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods, and being the Great Lent with a clean conscience.
Persian New Year Traditions
The traditional Iranian ‘Nowruz’, or Persian New Year is another possible origin for Spring Cleaning origins, as the celebration falls on the first day of spring, and it is still considered customary practice to partake in ‘khooneh takouni’, which literally translates to “shaking the house” – where everything in the house is thoroughly cleaned.
Who would have thought ‘Spring Cleaning’ originated from such rich traditions…?
Our One-Off/Spring Cleaning Services
At Maid in Melbourne, we aim to assist you with your ‘spring cleaning’ (inspired by any traditions, if any at all) by providing a professional spring-cleaning service, at an affordable price. Let’s face it, spring cleaning is almost always viewed as a hassle, and is often required when your time and effort could be best used elsewhere – such as preparing for holidays or guests!
Allow us to take the hassle out of your hands, with quick, efficient and affordable spring-cleaning services, that can be scheduled around your availability, to keep your hands free for other important tasks. Our experienced spring cleaners guarantee a quality clean, and can come equipped with all the top quality products to deliver unbeatable results.
For further information or enquiries about our Melbourne Spring Cleaning services, contact us today!