The Spring Equinox and Its Meanings

Finally, winter is gone, long live the spring! The spring is announced by the spring equinox. This year the spring equinox date is on the 20th March.

Spring means joy for all those that are tired of the dark winter and cold weather. Spring enters in its power together with the spring equinox, which this year happens on the 20th of March.

But what does a spring equinox mean? Generally speaking, an equinox is when the Sun is located right over the equator of the Earth. Consequently, the center of the Sun can be minutely observed. The equinox is a phenomenon that occurs in March and September each year. At spring equinox, the night time is approximately equal to the day time, and the center of the Sun will be seen for the same amount of time above the horizon as below the horizon. So, this is what happens on the first day of spring.

The spring equinox is also called March equinox or vernal equinox, while the fall equinox is called September equinox or autumnal equinox. The origins of the word equinox are in Latin and it is actually a compound word that designates aequus- meaning equal and nox- which is night in Latin, which refers to the above mentioned equality between day and night.

The spring equinox has different meanings in different cultures, but there is one generally acknowledged by all: the first day of spring. For instance, for the Persians, the spring equinox date designates the New Year. In many Arab countries, the spring equinox date is designated as Mother’s day.
Also, for the Christians, the spring equinox helps in calculating the date of the Easter, which is the first Sunday after the spring equinox date. Accordingly, this year, the Christian Easter will be held on the 23rd of March. Also, the spring equinox day is a holiday in Japan and it is a free day spent celebrating the graves of those passed away and celebrating the family. The spring equinox date used to be the Day of the Earth, which has been moved to April 22nd more recently.
Last but not least, the spring equinox date is also the day of World Storytelling in the Northern hemisphere, a day when the art of storytelling by word of mouth is being cherished.

As you can see, the first day of spring has many significances and it is good news for everyone: the winter is gone and the spring will bring a bit of sunshine, warmth and fine disposition.

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