What is the equinox?
An equinox is the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, creating equal intervals of day and night on planet Earth. It occurs twice a year: the vernal equinox in March and the autumnal equinox in September. These events mark the transition from one season to another and have deep astronomical roots.
Astronomy of the Equinox
The equinox is a consequence of the Earth's orbital motion around the Sun and its tilt relative to the ecliptic plane. When the Earth reaches a point in its orbit where its tilt axis faces the Sun, light and shadow are distributed evenly across the planet's surface. This results in day and night being approximately equal in length.
Interestingly, at the moment of the equinox, the ascending node on Earth's orbit coincides with the vernal equinox, and the descending node with the autumnal equinox. These points are important for astrology and influence the characteristics of the zodiac signs.
Astrology and the Equinox
In astrology, the equinox symbolizes balance and harmony. At this moment, the energies of day and night merge, creating a period when the forces of nature are in a state of harmony.
The sign of Libra (September 23 – October 23) is associated with the autumnal equinox, as Libra's activity is constantly aimed at achieving peace. They strive for harmony in relationships and art, and this reflects the balance between day and night during the equinox.
The vernal equinox is associated with the beginning of the zodiac sign Aries. This period is considered a time of rebirth and new beginnings, when nature awakens after winter, and life returns to its active course.
Holidays and Rituals
In Europe and Western culture, the autumnal equinox is celebrated on September 21 or 22 (depending on the year).
In Britain, for example, this day is the official end of summer.
On this day, the Notting Hill Carnival is held in London.
In Ireland, the autumnal equinox is linked to ancient Celtic festivals associated with the worship of the goddess Macha. This festival is called Maeve (Halloween), and it is celebrated on October 31. This is a time when residents decorate homes, shops, and street trees with traditional holiday colors: orange and black. On this day, it is also popular to carve pumpkins, tell scary stories, and host costume parties.
In the United States, the autumnal equinox is associated with Thanksgiving Day, which is celebrated on the Thursday before the last Thursday of November. It is a family holiday with baked turkey in cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
In India, the autumnal equinox is celebrated with the Navaratri festival, which lasts nine days and nights. This is a time when people dedicate themselves to prayers and meditation, as well as joyous dances and weddings.
In Japan, the autumnal equinox is celebrated with the Higan-no-Chu festival, which takes place in mid-September. On this day, Japanese people give thanks for the harvest and honor their ancestors. It is also popular to donate a symbolic vegetable for each year to children's schools and kindergartens.
In China, the autumnal equinox is associated with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated in mid-September. This festival is considered an important time for harvesting, and it is also associated with the full moon, so the main dish is mooncakes with floral tea.
In Africa, the autumnal equinox is celebrated with the Oshun festival, which is associated with the worship of the water goddess and the spiritual culture of the Yoruba people. This festival is held in mid-September, and throughout the day, ceremonies dedicated to Oshun take place, and ritual sacrifices are made to the goddess, which include prayers and dances.
In Mexico, the autumnal equinox is celebrated with the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), which takes place on November 1 and 2. On this day, people honor their deceased relatives by placing their photos and beloved items on altars. It is also popular to make candles, draw skulls, eat special sweets, and hold parades.
Completion of the "Dance of the Sun and Earth"
The autumnal equinox is the moment when the Sun and Earth complete their annual "dance." It is a time when nature prepares for the changes associated with the arrival of a new season. It is a time of balance and harmony, allowing us to reflect on our lives and the world as a whole.