Firstbud marks the emergence from darkness, when each and every beaver emerges from a long, hard winter into the first light of spring! It is our first opportunity to stretch our limbs and blink our eyes and escape the oppressive vanilla smell that permeates a beaver lodge after three or four months!

Once we are aware that it is Firstbud, we beavers hold a moment of remembrance for those who were not able to emerge into this new year. Then, we spring forth into the open water, because we are alive! We gather at the first flowering tree that we can find, greeting every other beaver who has survived to see another spring, and we frolic under the bright petals to represent a new year of vitality and color. We feast on the tender saplings and leaf buds as they emerge, share our Solstice dreams with other families and our plans for the new year.

Then, at the end of each Firstbud gathering, we slap our tails on the water’s surface in thunderous applause for a successful year, then disperse to make the most of our time in the sun!

Now that I’m a beaver in a summer city, it’s not always easy to find the right time and location to celebrate the holidays. Luckily, Firstbud never falls on the same day each year, so that gives all sorts of flexibility in finding a spot for its celebration! Usually, I wait for the equinox, then try to find a place that has flowers over water in order to celebrate. I try to invite my family, because they’re the most important part of any beaver holiday, but it isn’t always possible. Regardless, I do my best to send them a messenger albatross to commemorate the occasion!