I think this probably merits finding out about what was going on in 8th century spain and ramadan,

spring and fasting -- makes no sense -- was it a period of relative calm and prosperity? makes more sense if it is really ramadan / something desert-like, more recent-religion-like pasted onto the christian tradition

yup, the muslim conquest of spain; so ramadan, supposedly a fast of great joy (although, ever work with any Muslims during Ramadan? cranky), gets grafted onto european springtime --

still don't understand the idea of penitence in springtime, when things are getting planted and coming into bloom (although lent is really too early for springtime); could be timed to coincide with the end of the winter larder -- I think I'd heard that theory before