noun
early spring; beginning of spring
Refers to the very start of spring, often with a poetic or seasonal nuance. Can be used in both literal and literary contexts.
初春の風はまだ冷たい。
The wind of early spring is still cold.
初春に咲く花を探しに行こう。
Let's go look for flowers that bloom in early spring.
noun
New Year; New Year's
Specifically refers to the New Year period, often used in seasonal greetings or traditional contexts. More literary than 正月.
初春のお慶びを申し上げます。
I wish you a happy New Year.
初春にふさわしい晴れやかな一日だった。
It was a bright day fitting for the New Year.