Dear Reader,

As the days stay lighter for longer and purple crocuses and yellow daffodils bloom, I find it easy to feel joyous that spring is coming. For British Columbians, this March marks the last time that the clocks will spring forward, marking a year-round daylight saving time. Reminiscent of spring, the theme of issue seven is “Hyacinth.” 

In Flora Symbolica, John Henry Ingram writes that the hyacinth was “the floral hieroglyph of play” (126). However, the mythological origin of this “fairy-like fragile flower” (126) comes from the death of the Spartan prince Hyacinthus, who was loved by the sun god Apollo. Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, was so jealous of Hyacinthus that when Apollo and Hyacinthus were playing discus, Zephyrus sent a wind that made Apollo’s disc strike Hyacinthus in the head, killing him instantly. Unable to save him, Apollo created the flower Hyacinth, which sprang up from his blood. From this, a three-day festival called Hyacinthia was born, both grieving the death of Hyacinthus and celebrating his rebirth as a flower. 

Staff and contributors explore new life and play in this issue of Mars’ Hill. In a new installment of Cami Lavender’s Advice Corner, Cami tackles relationship advice, from asking someone out to making friends. Over in the Opinions section, Staff Writer Adriana Feria-Estrada reminds us of the importance of a liberal arts education and following your passions. In this issue’s feature, Mars’ Hill interviews third-year nursing student Naomi Lee on her gift of life after receiving a heart transplant, and her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. 

I hope you feel encouraged while reading this issue of Mars’ Hill and are reminded of the beauty that life holds. New beginnings are all around us, some instantaneous, some gradual and some we purposely have to search for. 

Sincerely,
Sadie McDonald