Autumn Equinox (Northern Hemisphere): Meaning behind the seasonal change

In the vast and enigmatic cosmic ballet that is our solar system, the equinoxes play a prominent role in marking the changing of the seasons and the Earth's natural cycles. One of the most anticipated and significant moments of the year is the autumnal equinox, an astronomical phenomenon that occurs in the northern hemisphere during the month of September .

The Autumn Equinox: A Heavenly Encounter

The term " equinox " derives from the Latin " aequinoctium ", which means "equal night". And it is precisely this equality in the duration of day and night that defines this astronomical phenomenon. The autumnal equinox marks the instant the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the northern to the southern hemisphere. This cosmic moment occurs around September 23 in the northern hemisphere, signaling the official start of autumn.

The autumnal equinox is one of the two times in the year when the sun's rays strike the Earth's equator perpendicularly, resulting in nearly equal length of day and night in most regions of the planet. As the Sun appears to move south, temperatures begin to drop, the leaves on the trees change color, and nature begins its preparation for winter.

The Cultural and Spiritual Significance of the Autumnal Equinox

Throughout history, the autumnal equinox has been a moment of great cultural and spiritual significance in various civilizations. For many ancient cultures, this celestial event marked the transition between the harvest seasons and the preparation for winter. Agricultural peoples viewed the autumnal equinox as a time to give thanks for bountiful harvests and to perform rituals and celebrations honoring the gods of earth and fertility.

In Greek mythology, the autumnal equinox was associated with the story of Persephone, the goddess of spring and queen of the underworld. According to legend, Persephone was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld during autumn and winter. His mother, Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, saddened by his departure, left the land to become barren. When Persephone returned in the spring, Demeter would rejoice, and the earth would bloom again.

The Astronomical and Archaeological Alignments

The autumnal equinox has also left a lasting mark on monuments and archaeological sites around the world. One of the most famous examples is Stonehenge, the mysterious stone circle in England. During the autumnal equinox, the Sun aligns perfectly with the stones of the monument, creating an impressive sight in which the Sun's rays appear to flow along the central axis of the monument.

In Latin America, the ancient city of Teotihuacán in Mexico is another example of the relationship between astronomical alignments and architecture. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are aligned so that the Sun and the Moon appear to rise and descend on them during the equinoxes and solstices.

The Autumn Equinox Celebration Today

Today, many cultures around the world continue to celebrate the autumnal equinox in various ways. In Japan, for example, the "Higan" is celebrated, a seven-day period of prayer and reflection to honor deceased ancestors. In China, the autumnal equinox marks the Moon Festival, a holiday that celebrates the harvest and family unity.

In the West, many people gather at natural sites and archaeological sites to observe and celebrate the autumnal equinox. Many communities also host festivals, fairs, and cultural events that highlight the importance of the harvest season and connection to nature.