Shvat, the eleventh month in the Jewish calendar, counting from Nissan, comes out in January and February. Although many parts of the world are still covered in snow, during Shvat the harshest part of the winter gives way to the beginning of spring. This is most clearly seen in Israel, where the trees begin to bud again at this time.

The zodiac sign for this month is the water carrier, as it is written of the Jewish people:
"He shall pour waters from his bucket, moistening his seed plentifully. . . ." - Numbers 24:7

At the beginning of the month, the abundant rains fill the wells which overflow, even after the buckets of water have been extracted.

Towards the end of the month, however, the plentiful rain tapers off and the signs of spring appear.

Trees begin to grow leaves again, and the first blossom of the almond tree is seen in the fields and gardens.The countryside becomes a carpet of wildflowers, including the colorful spring flowers: anemones, daffodils and primroses.