Waiting for the rain

Decades ago, farming was heavily dependent on nature. Farmers needed rain, the first crucial element contributing to a successful harvest. "First water, second fertilizer, third labor, fourth seeds." Humans could control most things except water, which depended on the heavens. During droughts, when water reserves were depleted, watching crops wither was heartbreaking. Draining lakes and wells, digging ponds – every effort was made to find water, but sometimes it was hopeless. A timely rain was more precious than gold. And it wasn't just for crops; water was essential for daily life. Back then, there was no electricity, no drilled wells, no piped water; rural people mainly used water from dug wells. In years with late rains, most wells dried up. Any well with water was considered a shared asset of the entire village, with everyone sharing buckets of water while waiting for the rain. Those days may seem not so long ago, but the days of carrying buckets of water for cooking and washing have become an unforgettable memory.

Children also have reasons to look forward to the rain. On a hot, stuffy day, the gentle, cool breezes signaling an impending downpour are delightful. I remember those May days, sitting in the classroom, looking out and feeling the movement of the earth and sky. The wind grew stronger, branches swayed, dry leaves fell in a rustling sound, and the schoolyard darkened as black clouds gathered, obscuring the sun. The raindrops fell slowly, pattering, pattering, then becoming denser until it turned into a torrential downpour. The rain washed over the trees and leaves, making them lush and green. The flame trees were vibrant with green branches and bright red blossoms. The wind and rain tore the petals from the branches and sent them to the ground, and the students could pick them up to make pretty butterflies to decorate their notebooks, writing down their childish, naive handwriting. Rain that came right at dismissal time was also an excuse for them to run in the rain, arriving home soaked to the bone, only trying to keep their books from getting wet. When the rain comes, the young grass will sprout green, promising a joyful summer in the fields and hills. The first rains of the season are always a delightful experience for children.

Water for daily use in the city is now almost no longer a concern thanks to tap water and well water. Workers have electricity and machinery to assist with irrigation, ensuring the survival and growth of crops. But the first rains of the season, bringing rainwater and natural nutrients to the plants, are always eagerly awaited. What could be more beautiful than watching raindrops fall on vast orchards, bringing coolness and promising bountiful harvests? Rain is always anticipated during hot days, not only by farmers but by everyone who loves the endless green of this majestic plateau.

Rain is also the most powerful extinguishing agent against the risk of forest fires – the green lungs of life. During hot, dry days, it seems as though even a small ember could ignite a major blaze, posing a significant threat to the forests of the Central Highlands. The first rains of the season cool the air, bringing new life to the forests, enabling them to begin a new season of growth and development, bringing back the dreamy green landscape for many.

Rain can also be a romantic theme for nature lovers. Standing in a window and looking out at the white curtain of rain on the sidewalks, rooftops, and bushes, one feels so peaceful. The sound of the raindrops pattering, the raindrops as clear as crystal, is a truly evocative image. Even though the days of running and playing in the rain are over, going out in the rain can still be a pleasure for those who love the rain and enjoy the cool feeling of raindrops falling on their skin.

The raindrops, the rain, how lovely and much we look forward to them!

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