Fun facts about the autumnal equinox
| September 22, 2009 | 12:30 PM
More journal entries from Cindy House »
It’s the first day of fall, although you wouldn’t know it from the potential snow looming in the forecast.
Some interesting facts about the autumnal equinox:
- The spring and autumn equinoxes are the only two times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west.
- Equinox, which means “equal night,” refers to a time when the length of day and night are equal. However, because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis, it won’t be truly equal but instead will be off by a few minutes depending on your geographic location.
- Some people believe that the equinox has a balancing force that makes it possible to stand an egg on its end.
- The autumnal equinox is one of the Sabbats of Wicca. Called Mabon, it is a harvest celebration and “a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection.”
- In Greek mythology, autumn marks the return of the goddess Persephone to the underworld to live with her husband Hades.
- In Japan, the days before and after the fall and spring equinox mark higan, a Buddhist memorial service when people visit family graves to comfort their ancestors’ spirits.
- The Christian celebration of Michaelmas, in honor of Michael the Archangel, also has some of its roots in pagan harvest festivals around the time of the fall equinox.
- A Marine Meditation will be held at 8 p.m. local time on the equinox across the world to channel love energy into the oceans to help it heal.
autumnal equinox, harvest festival, mabon, persephone
