In Italy, the arrival of April and May signals more than just warmer days—it marks a cultural and emotional shift. Spring doesn’t rush in; it tiptoes, blooms, and teases. These two months, standing at the heart of la primavera, are filled with unpredictable weather, fragrant fields, religious festivals, and a collective exhale after winter’s long stay. Across regions and generations, Italians have captured this feeling through proverbs—short phrases that, in just a few words, express centuries of observation, tradition, and lived experience.
Italian proverbs tied to April and May are rich with agricultural knowledge, seasonal nuance, and poetic realism. They offer advice, warnings, and gentle encouragement to wait, to prepare, and to savor the slow unfurling of spring.
One of the most iconic sayings of April is “Aprile, non ti scoprire”—translated literally as “In April, don’t uncover yourself.” It’s a shortened version of a popular rhyme:“Marzo pazzerello, guarda il sole e prendi l’ombrello; aprile non ti scoprire, maggio vai adagio, giugno fai un bagno.”(“Crazy little March, look at the sun and take an umbrella; April, don’t take off your coat; May, go slowly; June, go swimming.”)
These lines are playful, but layered with practical wisdom. Aprile non ti scoprire is a reminder that the warm sun of early spring can be deceiving. It cautions against being too eager to shed winter layers, reflecting the Italian value of patience—especially when it comes to change. In many parts of the country, April’s weather shifts dramatically from hour to hour. The proverb urges people to be cautious, to move slowly with the season, and to trust that warmth will come in time.
By May, the mood begins to change. Days lengthen, flowers flourish, and the air feels sweeter. Yet, the Italian language still offers a note of tempered optimism. “Maggio ortolano, molta paglia e poco grano” means “Gardener’s May: lots of straw, little grain.” It’s an agricultural observation that, if May is too dry or warm, crops may suffer. It’s not a pessimistic view—but a realistic one. Italian culture, especially in rural regions, has long recognized nature’s delicate balance. May is a time of beauty, yes—but also a reminder that not all growth is guaranteed.
Another saying that speaks to May’s significance is “Maggio fa il buon faggio” (“May makes the good beech tree”). This expression reflects the crucial role of May in nature’s development. What begins in April matures in May. Trees leaf out, fields green, and energy shifts toward abundance. It’s a month of visible transformation—an ideal metaphor for change that’s been slow-building, and now, finally, shows.
Religious life also influences the proverbs of spring. May is traditionally considered the month of the Virgin Mary, and in many regions of Italy, this is reflected in processions, flower festivals, and community meals. These celebrations often center on themes of renewal, family, and fertility—values that are echoed in the language Italians use to describe this season.
Even spring’s imperfections find their way into language. “Una rondine non fa primavera” (“One swallow does not make a spring”) may be the most famous Italian spring proverb of all. Though not exclusive to April or May, it often surfaces during these months, as people look for signs that the season has truly arrived. It reminds us not to get ahead of ourselves, not to assume something is permanent based on a single sign. The proverb is philosophical, suggesting that growth—like trust, love, or warmth—requires consistency.
In the kitchen, spring’s return is equally celebrated. While not always expressed through formal proverbs, Italians often reference the idea that “la primavera si mangia”—spring is something you eat. April and May bring first-of-season artichokes, fava beans, peas, asparagus, and wild herbs. These ingredients, much like the proverbs themselves, are seasonal guides—short-lived, specific, and meant to be savored.
Ultimately, Italian proverbs for April and May aren’t just about weather—they’re about how to live. They teach us to be present but cautious, to welcome change without rushing it, and to recognize beauty while knowing it won’t last forever. In just a handful of words, they hold the tension of spring: softness and strength, hope and hesitance, the sun and the shadow.
In a modern world that encourages urgency, these expressions offer something slower—and wiser. They remind us that nature leads, not us. And that sometimes, it’s perfectly okay to admire the sun... while still bringing a coat.