When are the spring and autumn equinoxes? Spring and autumn equinox
Only twice a year are the lengths of day and night the same. This happens in autumn and spring. In September, the sun moves from the northern hemisphere to the southern, and in March - vice versa. Every year these days come on different dates, and all because the astronomical year is 6 hours shorter than the Julian year. Each time the equinox falls at a different time of day. In 2018, this day will come tomorrow. What can and cannot be done on this day?
Astronomical autumn
In 2018 in Russia, the autumn equinox will take place on September 23, 2018 at 03.54. After this, the day will gradually decrease and the night will increase. This will happen until December 21st. On this day it will be possible to observe the longest night and the shortest day. After the autumnal equinox, the real golden autumn really begins. The leaves turn yellow and fall off, and the birds fly south. A few more days after the equinox, the warmth continues - Indian summer. Sometimes it can drag on until mid-October.
Of course, all this applies only to residents of the northern hemisphere. In the south, the spring equinox is celebrated on September 23, since now their days will be longer and their nights will be shorter. Some religions and peoples even celebrate this day along with the New Year:
- Kyrgyz.
- Azerbaijanis.
- Afghans.
- Uzbeks.
- Iranians.
But according to the Old Slavic calendar, it was the autumn equinox that coincided with the new year.
What can you do
Our ancestors also attached special significance to this day. It has long been equated with the new moon. The autumn equinox is an energetically very strong time. On the first day of astronomical autumn, you can think about the future and upcoming plans. This is especially true this year. At the moment of crossing the equator, the Sun will be in the sign of Libra. This means that this period is great for meditation and reflection. According to some myths, at the autumn equinox an invisible gate opens between heaven and earth. This means that all prayers, desires and wishes will be heard and fulfilled.
It is believed that on this day it is necessary to get rid of old and unnecessary things. If possible, you can simply burn them. Also, by the autumn equinox, all work in the garden should have been completed. Then on this day they often held a harvest festival and thanked nature for the gifts it brought them. The Eastern Slavs called this holiday Osenina. In turn, this day is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which falls on September 21.
Rituals
This day is perfect for various rituals. For example, it is believed that single women can attract a lover into their lives. To do this, you need to put a second pillow next to it, and put another toothbrush in the bathroom.
The water on this day is also unusual. Early in the morning you need to wake up and be sure to wash your face with cool water. According to legend, the girl who does this will always be a beauty. You can also pour water on your child - then he will be happy and healthy all year. It is believed that swimming on the day of the autumn equinox helps to cleanse yourself of negative energy. Our ancestors visited the bathhouse on this day.
Be sure to ask forgiveness from your family and friends. This will help you clear away bad thoughts. It is also important to forgive your offenders. Free yourself from all the feelings that weigh you down. On this day, it is important not to be offended by others, not to swear. Negativity will scare happiness and luck away from you. On the day of the autumn equinox, you need to protect your home from dark forces. Previously, for this they laid out rowan or wormwood around the perimeter of the entire home. You can simply light a candle and read a prayer over it.
The onset of astronomical autumn is also celebrated in other countries. The most interesting and exciting takes place in Mexico. In one of its cities - Chichen Itza - you can see a masterpiece of Mayan architecture. This is a pyramid that is built in such a way that on the spring and autumn equinoxes the sun rises exactly above its top. In addition, on the stairs of the pyramid you can see a beautiful stone balustrade. It starts at the bottom, near the serpent's head, and continues all the way to the top. Thanks to this, you can see the “Feathered Serpent” on the spring and autumn equinoxes. This is a unique spectacle during which the shadow from the steps falls on the balustrades and creates the impression that a snake is crawling.
Attracting wealth
Autumn itself is rich in various fruits. It is for this reason that rituals to attract money are so popular on the autumn equinox. The following customs exist:
- You should take all the bills out of your wallet and count them 3 times.
- Then you need to thank the Higher Powers for what you already have and ask for what you want.
It’s not for nothing that delicious round pies are baked on this day. It is very important that they include products that were collected this year. This is a kind of ritual that will also attract prosperity to your home.
From ancient times to the present day, humanity has lived in harmony with the natural rhythms of nature. The vernal equinox is a significant date that repeats every year on the twentieth of March. Many natural processes and curious phenomena are associated with this day.
Spring equinox in 2017 falls on March 20th. At this time, people follow centuries-old traditions, which we will talk about in this article. You can also learn a lot of useful information about the history and customs of the spring equinox holiday.
Day of spring equinox
The equinox, which occurs in spring, is one of the most unique and stunning natural phenomena, the whole essence of which comes down to the astronomical principles of the movement of the Sun and Earth. On the day of the vernal equinox, rotating around its own axis and, at the same time, around the Sun, the Earth is located in such a way in relation to the hot body that the Sun's rays fall vertically on the equator.
At this time, the Sun makes a transition from the southern to the northern hemisphere. In all countries of the world, night during the spring equinox is almost equal to day.
From an astronomical point of view, spring begins with the vernal equinox, and autumn begins with the autumn equinox. The interval between two identical equinoxes is called the tropical year, which is now accepted for calculating time.
The tropical year has approximately 365 whole and 24 hundredths solar days. It is because of this “approximate” value that the spring equinox falls at a different time of day every year, shifting about 6 hours ahead from year to year.
It is noteworthy that in many states, among many peoples around the world, it begins specifically with the spring equinox.
Light and darkness share their time equally on this amazing day. Even in ancient times, when there were no calendars, the sun determined the dawn of a charming spring, awakening nature and the whole world from its long winter sleep. Many ancient peoples considered the day when sunlight and pitch darkness divided the day in half as a great holiday and honored the date of the spring equinox.
history of the holiday
The Slavs had several great celebrations that were held throughout the year. One thing the pagans celebrated in the spring is Komoeditsa. Now this day is celebrated in our country as Maslenitsa, which is held within the framework of Orthodox principles and traditions.
The Christian Church thus combined spring folk rituals and celebrations with a great religious date, since Maslenitsa falls on the cheese (meat) week preceding Lent. During this week, the church allows you to eat eggs, cheese and other dairy products, and fish. Meat is under the strictest ban these days.
Let's return to Komoeditsa. This holiday, which the Slavs in Rus' celebrated in the spring, long before Christianity, fell exactly during Lent. Komoeditsa lasted for two whole weeks - a week before the spring equinox and a week after it.
The Komoeditsa holiday was dedicated to the active farewell of the already tired winter over the long cold months and the welcoming of a blooming, green spring. Also on Komoeditsa, the Slavs celebrated the beginning of the New Year.
The Komoeditsa holiday received its interesting name thanks to one important ancient Slavic tradition - the veneration of the Bear God, who was called Komo. Precisely on the day of the spring equinox, which falls in the middle of the Komoeditsa celebration, the pagan Slavs baked pancakes and “treated” the Honey Beast with fried and incredibly tasty pieces of sweet dough.
It is quite possible that the good old proverb “the first pancake is lumpy” actually sounds nothing more than: “The first pancake is lumpy!”, that is, to furry honey lovers, bears.
The custom of baking pancakes on Komoeditsa is due to the fact that the ruddy flat cakes, in appearance, shape, and scorching temperature, resemble the inaccessible sun, which is just beginning to come into full force on the day of the equinox.
With this tradition, the Slavs revered the power of the spring solar disk. While feasting on delicious pancakes, people believed that with every piece they ate they were filled with the life-giving power of sunlight.
Komoeditsa was celebrated widely and cheerfully: there were also rituals that combined incompatible things: religion and magic. Dances and songs on this day were interspersed with exciting noisy games, and a festive feast completed the picture of general folk festivities.
Spring equinox holiday in different countries
The spring holiday - the equinox - was and is honored in many cultures of our vast world. Not only the Slavs performed various magical and religious rituals, giving praise to the Sun and spring, many other peoples also have their own history of celebrating this holiday. We will tell you about the most striking traditions.
Spring equinox in India
In India, this holiday is called “Holi”; it is known worldwide as the “festival of colors”. Indians spend the first day of the bright March festival having fun, singing songs, dancing, and making bonfires.
On the second day of the festival, representatives of all castes and all classes, women and men, old people and children - all participate in a festive procession, where they sprinkle each other with colorful multi-colored powders, which consist of useful spices and medicinal herbs.
Spring equinox in Japan
In Japan, this important holiday is called “Shumbun no Hi” and the Japanese attach special meaning to it. Even before the start of the equinox, they diligently clean their homes, paying special attention to home altars, where photographs of deceased relatives are located. It is customary to decorate altars with flowers and place special ritual dishes there.
On the day of the holiday itself, the Japanese pray and indulge in ritual honors. The table at Shumbun no Hi should feature predominantly vegetarian food, including inari sushi filled with mixed rice, mushrooms, carrots and beans.
In almost all cultures, the spring equinox symbolizes the renewal and rebirth of nature. On this day you need to think only about good things, enjoy spring, the sun's rays, and the joyful singing of birds.
It is better to keep all negativity away from yourself and your loved ones on the day of the equinox. Astrologers believe that unfavorable energy and negative thoughts may materialize on this special day.
This article lists the equinox and solstice dates for 2019.
The sun influences the Earth. The fiery planet emits light streams, and since our planet rotates around its axis, it turns out to be day and night.
- The fiery planet brings heat to Earth, which, as a result of the movement of our planet around the celestial body, causes the change of seasons.
- The equinoxes and solstices indicate astronomical seasonality.
- What days are these and when do they come? How does the day decrease and increase during these periods? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.
What are the days of the spring and autumn equinox: definition
The equinox is an astronomical event. During such a period, the Fiery Planet passes through the celestial equator. If you observe from the distance of space, then these days the light separation line (terminator) goes clearly along the poles and it is located perpendicular to the earth's equator.
- People looked forward to days like these.
- When the holiday arrived, everyone would party noisily during this period, and many countries even considered it the beginning of a new year.
- Among countries professing Islam, this holiday was called Navruz, and the date of Easter for Christians was counted from the day of the vernal equinox.
- Such a day is a unique natural manifestation. The center of the solar planet crosses the equator in the sky.
- On this day, our planet is tilted in such a way that the flow of rays goes straight towards the equator. The sun moves from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern. Almost throughout the entire Earth, day is equal to night.
- On the day of the autumn equinox, the Sun moves from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere. Accordingly, in this hemisphere, March 20 is the autumn equinox, and September 23 is the spring equinox.
- The time period between two identical equinoxes is called a tropical year and is equal to 365.2422 days.
Due to the fact that the value is not exact, but approximate, the equality between day and night occurs at different times of the day every year, moving 6 hours ahead. After 4 years, 1 day is added and this year is called a leap year.
Position of the sun at the equinoxes
The days of the equinox are a kind of limit for the movement of the Fiery Planet from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere - in the fall, and vice versa in the spring. This is typical for that territory of our planet that is located above the equatorial zone. These days, the celestial body rises clearly in the east and hides behind the horizon in the west. This will be the position of the “bright” planet on days when day and night are compared in their time - in autumn and spring.
But such a phenomenon will definitely be observed in the area of 23.5° north or south latitude. In other areas there may be slight movement towards the north or south.
Vernal equinox in 2019: date, day length
The spring equinox is an important period in the annual seasonality.
- This day is considered the beginning of astronomical spring. Our ancestors and modern people are looking forward to this period - warm days are coming after winter and cold weather, and daylight hours are now beginning to “increase”.
- Such a date is not considered fixed and every 365 days it can be in a different time period.
- The vernal equinox in 2019 is March 20.
At this time, daylight is equal to darkness. Then every day it begins to increase by 1 minute, and at the summer solstice, the day will be the longest of the year.
Autumn equinox in 2019: date, day length
During the autumnal equinox, astronomical autumn begins.
- These days remind us of the imminent arrival of winter cold.
- The day of the autumn equinox in 2019 is September 23.
- Before this period, the day “decreased” and now it is again equal to the dark time of the day.
- Then until the winter solstice, the days will continue to decrease until the longest night of the year arrives.
On the day of the autumn equinox for the second time a year, when day is equal to night.
What are the days of summer and winter solstice: definition
Solstice - translated from Latin "solstitium" means "the sun has stopped".
In June 2019 on the 21st The inclination of the axis of rotation of our planet from the North Pole in relation to the Sun has the smallest value.
- During this period, the Sun shines on the Northern Hemisphere.
- At this point in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day and shortest night is the summer solstice, which marks the beginning of astronomical summer.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, on this day everything is the other way around - the longest night and the shortest day. In this hemisphere, on such a day is the winter solstice.
In December 2019 - 21st, The sun in the Northern Hemisphere shines on the Southern Tropic.
- In this case, the axis of rotation of our planet from the North Pole in the direction from the Sun takes on the greatest value.
- On this day in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night is the winter solstice.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, on the contrary, it is the summer solstice.
- Due to the shift in leap years, the days of the solstices may be different, but this difference is no more than 1 day.
Position of the sun on solstice days
The periods between two solstices are the times when the sun moves sideways above the horizon and below this line. The movement of the heavenly body is similar in trajectory to a sinusoid. In winter it drops lower, in summer it rises higher. The angle between the sun and the horizon on our planet is:
- In June - 90 degrees
- In December - 270 degrees
A couple of days before and after the solstice period, the celestial body “freezes” at one point at 12 noon. But you won't be able to see it directly above your head. You need to go 23.5 degrees above the equator in summer and similarly 23.5 degrees south latitude in winter. This way you will see the Sun directly vertical above you.
Date of summer solstice in 2019: length of day, shortest night
The date of the summer solstice is the time when the sun rises at its highest. In 2019, this date falls on June 21. During this period there is the longest day and shortest night of the year.
Date of winter solstice in 2019: length of day, shortest day
The ancient Slavs called this day the Day of Renewal and Birth of the Sun. Some peoples even celebrated the New Year on the winter solstice. Winter solstice date in 2019: December 21. During this period, the night is the longest and the day is shortest.
How the day decreases after the summer solstice: graph
As mentioned above, the day after the summer solstice period decreases by 1 minute every day. Above in the graph you can see the length of the day in hours, it is indicated in green. Permanent day is indicated by brown and night by white.
How the day increases after the winter solstice: graph
An analemma is a curved line in the shape of a figure eight. It is written by the Sun in the sky throughout the calendar year. To draw such a curve, you need to fix the celestial body at the same time. Thanks to this analemma, you can see how the Sun moves - rises and falls. After the winter solstice, the day increases by 1 minute every day.
Astrologers claim that the days of the solstices are the most dangerous period of the year. The energy of these days is weakened and can affect the internal state of a person. But folk superstitions say the opposite. The days of the equinoxes are not so difficult, but they also have magical powers.
- On the summer solstice Rituals are held for love, fulfillment of desires, for attracting money and for changes in life. Also during this period, amulets are created.
- Winter solstice- the time of birth of the young Sun. The girls told fortunes about their betrothed, and the old men - about the harvest. People dressed up as animals to scare away dark forces and jumped over the fire to get rid of the resentment and envy of evil people.
- Day of spring equinox endowed with special magical powers. Nature wakes up from its winter sleep. Maslenitsa usually falls during this period. People baked pancakes, attracting good harvest, health and prosperity to their homes.
- Autumn equinox day- end of harvest. People played various games, danced in circles, sang songs of praise to the gods and remembered their ancestors. These days were special: everyone walked and rejoiced at the rich harvest.
Thanks to magical rituals, you can strengthen your energy and avoid the negative influence of the solar planet during these difficult periods. Meet this magical period in a good mood, so as not to strengthen the already complex energy of such days. No one should disturb the internal state of a person, even such changes in nature as the equinox and solstice.
Video: Solstice and Equinox
After a long and cold winter, every person dreams of the imminent arrival of the warm season. The vernal equinox 2018 will be the time when the Sun moves to the northern hemisphere and astronomical spring begins.
When does this day come?
The equinox occurs when the length of day and night becomes equal. This moment is observed when the Sun crosses the equator of the sky. The spring equinoxes are 365.24 solar days apart from each other, so they occur at different times. Now astronomers have learned to accurately determine the day of the equinox several years in advance. For those who are interested in what date this event will occur in 2018, we can already answer with certainty. So, the sun's rays will hit the earth's equator vertically on 03/20/18.
A little history
In the history of mankind, four key dates can be noted, in accordance with which the life of ancient people was built. In 2018 they will look like this:
Day of spring equinox | 16:15 | 20.03.18 |
Summer Solstice Day | 10:07 | 21.06.18 |
Autumn equinox day | 1:54 | 23.09.18 |
Winter solstice | 22:23 | 21.12.18 |
All these points are sacred. It is after these days that dramatic changes in nature occur. The most revered date among our ancestors was still the day of the vernal equinox. They were waiting for him with the greatest impatience. He personified the victory of light and gave hope for the future. It is not surprising that many peoples perceive this day as a real holiday. The darkness begins to recede and the days lengthen. In ancient times, the equinox was associated with the onset of spring. For some peoples, this day heralded the arrival of the New Year. After all, after it a new period began, when everything in nature and human life began to be renewed.
As for our people, in the Slavic world, Komoeditsa or Maslenitsa was celebrated on the equinox. On this day it was customary to say goodbye to winter.
How to celebrate
The transition to a new life cycle was celebrated with great enthusiasm among all peoples. People tried to leave all the bad things in the past and hoped that the new period would bring them victories and good luck. This primarily concerned the future harvest. This day was revered by almost all peoples of our planet. Europeans held numerous festivals and masquerades during this period.
In pre-Christian Rus', when people worshiped pagan gods, the equinox was considered almost the most important day of the year. He was greeted with unprecedented joy and hope. The holidays lasted several days and were called Maslenitsa Week. Each day was designated for certain rituals:
- On Monday, housewives baked fragrant pancakes and larks, symbolizing the arrival of spring. The first pancake, according to custom, was intended for Who - the Bear God. It was believed that he protected men during hunting. On the same day, in Russian villages they built a stuffed animal from straw and old things, impaled it and carried it on a sleigh throughout the area.
- On Tuesday there was a viewing party. Early in the morning, the guys invited the girls to ride a sleigh, and in the evening the matchmakers went to the houses of the future brides to discuss the details of the upcoming wedding.
- On Wednesday, mothers-in-law invited their sons-in-law over for pancakes, showing them how much they respected them. On Thursday, folk festivities were held in all Russian villages with noisy, exciting games and fairs, where one could taste pancakes with different fillings and enjoy ancient drinks. Young people danced in circles and sang songs. The bravest ones took part in fist fights and jumped over the fire. The day ended with the capture of the “snow city”. The purpose of all the events of this day was to throw out the negative energy that had accumulated over the winter.
- On other days, older people performed all sorts of rituals aimed at obtaining a rich harvest and strengthening family ties (mother-in-law parties, sister-in-law gatherings, etc.)
- On Sunday it was customary to ask each other for forgiveness. People also went to the bathhouse, trying to cleanse themselves of accumulated dirt, put on new and clean clothes and put an end to the past. Old and dilapidated things had to be burned these days. The main event of this holiday, of course, is the burning of a straw effigy - a symbol of winter. Previously, the ashes from the scarecrow were scattered across the fields in the hope of getting a good harvest.
Currently, many traditions associated with the equinox have been lost. However, some Russian cities still hold fairs where you can sample pies, pancakes and other baked goods. Performances by folk groups and master classes on various folk crafts are organized in the main squares. For this holiday, cafes and restaurants are adjusting their menus to include folk dishes.
Signs
In the old days, when making baked goods, housewives put various household items into the baked goods. So, if household members found in the lark, for example:
- a button, this meant a quick new thing;
- coin - wealth;
- flower - foreshadowed beauty for the owner;
- berry - was for health.
If a woman was pregnant, then during Maslenitsa one could easily find out the gender of the unborn baby. If a man took the first pancake, then an heir would be born, if a woman, then the future mistress.
According to Maslenitsa, the weather for the next forty days was easily predicted. If the weather was warm for the holiday, then over the next month it was possible to forget about the frost and prepare for work on the land.
In ancient times, people were sure that on the equinox the heavens opened and their deepest desires were fulfilled. On this day it was customary to ask God for the most important things:
- about the future harvest;
- about the health and well-being of the whole family.
On this holiday it was forbidden to be sad. It was believed that on the day of the equinox everything could materialize, so crying and bad thoughts were prohibited. Joy and fun were a guarantee of good spirits for the whole year.
It seems like just recently we were rejoicing at the arrival of summer and warmth. But summer is fleeting, and now autumn has already arrived. The leaves on the trees seem to be woven into a red-yellow-crimson carpet, and the sun is getting less and less day by day.
It is at this time that we celebrate the Autumn Equinox - what date will it be in 2019 and how is it celebrated? Read about all this in the article.
First, let's define what the autumn equinox is. The answer is very simple, because it is contained in the word equinox: day is equal to night, that is, the duration of light and dark time of the day is the same.
There is an autumnal equinox, which is celebrated in September, and a spring equinox, which is celebrated in March. Some also talk about the autumn solstice, but this is wrong. After all, they occur only in summer and winter - in June and December.
The date of the holiday falls on different days in different years: September 22 or 23. The exact date depends on the year, it's all about the calendar shift due to leap years.
In 2019, the autumn equinox will occur on September 23 at 10:50 am Moscow time. If you live in another region, you can calculate the time yourself, knowing Moscow time.
After this holiday, the night becomes longer than the day. Watch the video where the astronomical essence of the equinox phenomenon is revealed:
On September 22 or 23, the Sun moves from the zodiac sign Virgo to the sign Libra, and astrological autumn begins (the period of the signs Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius).
Since the sign of Libra is associated with harmony and prudence, at this time you should impartially evaluate your life. What have you achieved, what goals have you achieved? It's time to take stock.
On the day of the autumn equinox there is no place for passions and adventures. On the contrary, it is important to take a sober look at the present moment and thank the Universe for the blessings it has given you.
Table of autumn equinoxes until 2025
Year | Date and exact time in Moscow |
2019 | September 23 10:50 |
2020 | 22 September 16:31 |
2021 | 22 September 22:21 |
2022 | September 23 04:03 |
2023 | September 23 09:49 |
2024 | 22 September 15:43 |
2025 | 22 September 21:19 |
Rituals
The day of the Autumn Equinox is a time of powerful energetic influences. It's a great time to start rituals.
Leaf fall
Prepare everything you need for the ritual: a pile of bright autumn leaves, a heat-resistant pan and a marker (black or blue). Let's get started:
- Calm down and tune in to contemplation. To do this, you can listen to music with sounds of nature or meditate.
- Think about what you would like to get rid of.
- Write each such point with a marker on an autumn piece of paper. Keep it short – just one or two words. The main thing is that you understand.
- When you write, try to think about it detachedly, as if what you are writing is not happening to you.
- Set the leaves on fire one by one and let them burn in the fire. Burn them in a saucepan. Remember safety. When the leaf burns, mentally say goodbye to the bad event or character trait.
- Once completed, scatter the ashes from the burnt leaves in the wind.
Abundance
There is a wonderful ritual that can attract blessings into your life. It consists of expressing gratitude to those people who helped you this year.
You need to bake pies and distribute them to selected people with words of sincere gratitude:
- meat pies will attract good luck in your career;
- cabbage - monetary abundance;
- fruits and berries - happiness in family life.
Give some pies to the poor, as well as relatives and neighbors, even if they did not help you. In the new year, goodness will return to you in triple size.
To get married
Girls who can’t find a groom turn to this ritual:
- you need to wear a red dress or skirt;
- write a wish on a piece of paper;
- bury the leaf under a rowan tree;
- pick a branch from that rowan tree and bring it home;
- put it under your pillow at night;
- take it out in the morning and dry it;
- keep until the groom is found.
Raising money
Since the Autumn Equinox holiday is associated with abundance in every sense of the word, money rituals become important. Here is one of them:
We will need a large sum of cash. One that you can live on for at least a week. If you don't have that much cash, withdraw money from your bank account in advance.
On a holiday, take the money in your hands and count it. Take your time, enjoy the feeling of money in your hands. You need to count the bills three times.
Don't ask for anything. Just thank the Universe, which gave you this money so that you can provide yourself with everything you need. Perform the ritual, and in the new year your income will increase.
Rituals on video
Folk signs
There are a great many signs for the Autumn Equinox. Here are some of them:
- Whatever the weather will be like on this day, such will be the whole autumn.
- If there are a lot of berries on the rowan tree, the autumn will be rainy and the winter will be harsh.
- If there are few berries on the rowan tree, autumn is expected to be dry and there will be little rain.
- To ensure wealth, you need to celebrate for a whole week.
- If birds fly away in flocks on this day, the winter will be cold.
- Whoever met the wedding procession will be happy for a whole year.
Folk signs contain the wisdom of generations. Therefore, perhaps, it is worth listening to them.
Festival of the autumn equinox among different nations
The autumn equinox is celebrated all over the world. Different peoples celebrate this day in different ways, but they all have similar features - people rejoice at the end of the agricultural season and a bountiful harvest. They also pay respects to the ancestors of the family.
Autumn among the Slavs
The Slavs celebrate three holidays with this name. The first autumn - September 14. The second - September 21. The third - September 27. We will talk about the second autumns, which fall exactly on the Autumn Equinox.
On this holiday there was a tradition of honoring older women. In the mornings, women gather on the banks of lakes or rivers, bring oatmeal bread and greet Mother Osenina with it.
The eldest of the women carries the bread in her hands. And the young people sing songs around her. Oatmeal bread is broken into as many pieces as there are women participating in the ritual. Later this bread is fed to livestock.
Another custom on Oseniny is visiting newlyweds. Young families invited relatives to visit. The hostess fed everyone a hearty lunch and showed them around the house, all this was done with a hint of boasting. Relatives praised the hostess and taught her wisdom.
The owner took the guests into the yard, showed them the barn with supplies for the winter, and the sheds with harnesses. Then he led everyone into the garden and treated them to beer from a keg, saying:
Not only young people, but all villagers held a feast to mark the harvest and the end of agricultural work. If the harvest turned out to be rich, then the festive table was bursting with food.
After the adoption of Christianity, the holiday began to be associated with the Nativity of the Virgin Mary - September 21. Believers turn to her with requests for prosperity and good luck, health and a rich harvest for the next year.
Childless couples prayed for the birth of a child. A young woman wishing to become pregnant set a rich table and called on the poor and needy to pray for the health of her unborn children.
Celtic holiday Mabon
A big holiday that is celebrated on the Autumn Equinox. It is usually celebrated between 21 and 24 September. Sometimes the celebration lasts three days.
The holiday got its name from the character of the same name in Welsh mythology, who symbolizes male fertility.
Mabon is characterized by three main aspects:
- Liberation from everything unnecessary, obsolete and outdated. It is necessary to leave it in the past.
- Honoring all female ancestors, a reminder of their services to the family.
Family celebrations were held on Mabon, everyone gathered together, distant relatives often came to stay. The time is right, because the harvest has already been harvested and you can leave the fields for a few days. Of course, at the solemn feast they remembered their ancestors, especially female ones.
- Gratitude to nature for the harvest, collecting the “second harvest” - apples, and also boasting about reserves for the winter.
It was customary to decorate the house with autumn leaves, pine branches, acorns, wheat straw, ripe ears, pine cones, and corn.
On this day we definitely went into the forest, closer to nature. So, the Druids climbed to the top of the mountain to touch the Sun, which would lose its power day by day. They sought to be imbued with its energy so that it would last through the long winter.
However, wandering through the autumn forest alone was considered dangerous. The rulers of the fairy kingdom also go for a walk on the days of the autumn equinox. If a person lies in the autumn dew, swims in a lake or river, he will cease to belong to himself. Soon he will feel sad with an incomprehensible melancholy.
On Mabon it was customary to show off the harvest and winter supplies, and then eat the best vegetables and fruits. This was a magical action that should protect against a hungry winter and help preserve the harvest.
It was customary to display the gifts of nature in the main square. And immediately after the holiday, autumn fairs opened and festivals were held.
Practitioners of magic carved new tools: runes, brooms, staves, wands. Druids had a strong connection with the world of trees, so their tools were usually wooden.
I suggest you watch a video that conveys the mood of the autumn holiday:
Food on this holiday is plentiful and appropriate to the season:
- pumpkin and zucchini;
- corn;
- apples;
- grape;
- beans.
It is customary to bake bread and cakes from corn flour, and prepare various dishes from beans.
Traditional drinks:
- compotes;
- homemade wines, especially cherry wines;
- barley beer;
- apple cider
Higan in Japan
I already wrote about Higan on. But its autumn brother is larger and beloved by the Japanese. It is usually celebrated on September 23, but in some years the date may shift to September 22. In Japan it is an official holiday.
Higan is a Buddhist holiday associated with the veneration of deceased ancestors. The name "khigan" translates as "other shore". That is, the place where people go after death, where their souls move.
The Japanese do general cleaning at home in advance. Particular attention is paid to the home altar, where there are photographs of ancestors. They are brought fresh flowers and given special ritual food.
On the day of the Autumn Equinox, the Japanese eat only vegetarian food, remembering the ban on killing animals in Buddhism.
On the holiday menu:
- vegetables and vegetable broths;
- beans;
- mushrooms;
- gomokuzuki - rice with vegetables and seasonings;
- dessert ohagi - rice balls with bean paste.
And in Japan, just on the autumn equinox, a beautiful fiery red flower called Higanbana blooms:
Sede in Zoroastrianism
One of the most important holidays of the year for Zoroastrians. On this day they say goodbye to the warmth and sun, which shines for only a short time from this day on.
Winter was perceived as the death of nature, the triumph of the forces of Evil. And the autumn equinox is the time when the planet turns to the Dark Side. Despite this, a divine particle of the Sun remains on Earth - Fire.
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