The first day of spring is the day when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward. This usually occurs on March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, and September 22nd or 23rd in the Southern Hemisphere. The spring equinox is the moment when day and night are of equal length all over the world.
The spring equinox marks the astronomical beginning of spring. In many cultures, it is a time of celebration and renewal. People often gather to celebrate the return of longer days and warmer weather.
Here are some interesting facts about the first day of spring and the spring equinox:
- The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words “aequus” (equal) and “nox” (night).
- The spring equinox is the only day of the year when the Sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere on Earth.
- The spring equinox is the start of the astrological sign of Aries.
- In many cultures, the spring equinox is associated with fertility and new beginnings.
- In ancient Egypt, the spring equinox was celebrated with a festival called the “Feast of the First Harrow.”
- In ancient Greece, the spring equinox was celebrated with a festival called the “Thesmophoria.”
- In ancient Rome, the spring equinox was celebrated with a festival called the “Equirria.”
Nowruz, the Farsi word for “new day,” also known as the Iranian or Persian New Year, is a festival celebrated widely by over 300 million people around the world. Nowruz is an ancient festival with roots in Zoroastrianism that marks the beginning of the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar and falls on or around the spring equinox, typically between March 19th and March 21st. The festival is generally observed in countries along the Silk Roads, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The spring equinox is a time of change and renewal. It is a time to let go of the old and embrace the new. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the joy of life.
