From birch sap rituals to beard contests: Spring's quirkiest traditions return

Spring traditions and quirky celebrations mark the coming weeks. On April 28, Birch Sap Day—known as Berezosok—brings old customs and health beliefs to life. Meanwhile, May 11 hosts two very different events: Thailand’s First Beard Festival and National Eat What You Want Day. Birch Sap Day was once a key moment in rural life. People believed the best sap came from the upper branches of birch trees. Collecting it on foggy or rainy days was avoided, as clear weather was thought to produce the purest liquid.

The day also carried deeper meaning. Farmers watched for weather signs, hoping to predict the summer harvest. Eating a large meal was said to bring fertile gardens and fields. Healing rituals mixed practical care with magic, using the sap to treat spring fevers, scurvy, and even arthritis. Modern science still recognises birch sap’s benefits. Doctors now recommend drinking it three times a day for its anti-inflammatory effects. The tradition of tapping birch trees has lasted, though the magical elements have faded. On May 11, two unrelated events share the date. Thailand’s First Beard Festival celebrates facial hair with competitions and grooming displays. Meanwhile, National Eat What You Want Day encourages indulgence—no restrictions, just enjoyment.

Birch Sap Day connects past and present, blending folklore with modern health advice. The traditions of April 28 contrast sharply with May 11’s lighthearted celebrations. Both dates, however, show how seasonal customs and playful festivals continue to shape cultural moments.