Twice a year, it is believed that the length of the night will equal the length of the day. These days are referred to as equinoxes and they occur to signify the beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn. For centuries, civilizations have celebrated the arrival of the autumnal equinox as it commonly coincides with the middle of the harvest season. Naturally, there are spiritual beliefs and practices that traditionally accompany these celebrations, as well.
For various reasons across a number of cultures, the autumnal equinox has been revered for centuries. Many of the holidays that originated in honor of the autumnal equinox persist today.
2. Twice a year, it is believed that the length of the
night will equal the length of the day. These days
are referred to as equinoxes and they occur to
signify the beginning of spring and the beginning of
autumn.
3. For centuries, civilizations have celebrated the arrival of the autumnal equinox
as it commonly coincides with the middle of the harvest season. Naturally,
there are spiritual beliefs and practices that traditionally accompany these
celebrations, as well.For various reasons across a number of cultures, the
autumnal equinox has been revered for centuries. Many of the holidays that
originated in honor of the autumnal equinox persist today.
4. Harvest Moon
Festival
In China, the full moon which falls
closest to the equinox leads to the start
of the Harvest Moon Festival, also
referred to as the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The moon is a highlight of this festival,
and round pastries known as mooncakes
are shared and eaten as participants
watch the moon and celebrate the
success of the rice harvest.
5. Great Britain
Harvest Festivals
Those in Great Britain celebrated the
harvest with the arrival of the
equinox, though they typically held
their festivals on a Sunday
regardless of what day on which the
equinox actually fell. When
Europeans crossed the Atlantic to
colonize America, they brought this
celebration with them, forming the
basis of the Thanksgiving
celebration.
6. Ohigan
In Japan, this Buddhist holiday occurs on both
equinoxes. It serves to recognize the transient nature
of life and honor the deceased. It is commonly believed
in Japan that the land of the afterlife is due west, and
on the equinoxes, the sun sets exactly west, drawing a
connection between the cosmic event and spiritual
beliefs. Participants of this holiday may venture to the
graves of loved ones to tidy up the stones. On these
holidays, the equinox reminds participants of how life
may be quick to cease, but that death is not the end.
7. The Pagan holiday of Mabon falls on the autumnal equinox. This
celebration welcomes in a time of harvest and prosperity. Autumn
may be viewed as a time of decay as many trees lose their leaves and
creatures begin preparing for the harsh winter, but in these belief
systems, the equinox represents change and new beginnings. Every
celebration is different, but many Mabon holidays are centered
around gratitude, health, balance, and community.
Mabon
8. Across the world and throughout history, the
equinoxes have held great significance in the
lives of many cultures. Though celebrations
tend to differ based on geographic, religions,
and other values, the autumnal equinox
remains influential in our lives.