As autumn approaches, the length of daylight decreases after summer and the days begin to resemble those of the colder months. Also, during this time, there is a significant date that has particular importance. Beyond its numerical significance, it has a deep meaning for many people in different parts of the world. This date is known as the “autumn equinox,” which marks the change from summer to the new season and has distinctive characteristics.
In this article we are going to tell you When is the autumn equinox?, what are its characteristics and some interesting facts about it.
Distinctions between the equinox and the solstice
The initial point to remember is that while it is commonly referred to as the “autumn solstice,” it is more accurately called the autumn equinox, since the terms solstice refer exclusively to winter and summer. What exactly are the summer and winter solstices?
The solstices mark the times of the year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most apparent relative to its central alignment, resulting in the longest day and night of the year, respectively. The specific location of the observation plays a role in this phenomenon; for example, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences its longest night, The Northern Hemisphere simultaneously enjoys its longest day, and the reverse is also true.
The solstices occur on June 20 and 21, marking summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and December 20 and 21, indicating summer in the Southern Hemisphere and winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
What are the autumn and spring equinoxes?
On the contrary, the equinoxes mark the moments of the year that fall between the two solstices. This indicates that on these dates, If observed from a place close to the equator, the length of day and night are equal.This phenomenon occurs because the Earth's axis is oriented perpendicular to its orbit around the Sun, resulting in equal lengths of day and night during these specific dates.
The equinoxes occur around March 20–21, marking the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, and again around September 20–21, marking the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
When is the autumn equinox in 2024 for the Northern Hemisphere?
For the northern hemisphere, The autumn equinox occurs between September 22 and 23. In 2024, this event falls on Sunday, September 22 at 14:43 p.m. From this point on, the fall season will begin and continue until December 22, when the winter solstice arrives, marking the beginning of winter.
In contrast, at this exact moment in the South, it is not the beginning of autumn, but rather the beginning of spring. Therefore, the transition on September 22 marks the arrival of the spring equinox there.
When will the autumn equinox occur in the southern hemisphere in 2024?
In the Southern Hemisphere, the autumn equinox occurs simultaneously with the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a complete reversal. Consequently, The autumn equinox of 2024 in the southern hemisphere will occur on Wednesday, March 20 at 04:06 a.m., although it usually falls between March 20 and 21, which varies depending on the year.
Autumn equinox rituals
Celebrated globally, the autumn equinox shares the same significance as the other equinoxes and solstices that have been honored for millennia. This widespread recognition stems from the historical importance of seasonal changes, which dictated the pace of life in human communities, particularly in agricultural societies. These communities were intrinsically linked to agriculture and therefore agricultural cycles shaped their annual calendars.
The equinoxes and solstices signified transitions between seasons, influencing not only consciousness but also the determination of necessary tasks to be carried out. In particular, the autumn equinox heralded the arrival of the colder months and many harvests. It marked a time of preparation for winter, serving as a harvesting phase where the fruits of spring and summer had to be gathered in anticipation of the harsh winter that would follow the winter solstice.
As life was dictated by the agricultural calendar, The autumn equinox became another occasion for celebration, celebrated in different ways by each human society or civilization. However, one common aspect among them was the celebration of festivals that began with a distinctive religious significance, during which the patron deity or deities of the coming season were invoked for protection throughout their influence.
Curiosities of the autumn equinox
These are some of the curiosities of the autumn equinox:
- Perfect balance: During the autumn equinox, the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. This means that both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight, creating a near-perfect balance between day and night.
- Etymological meaning: The word "equinox" comes from the Latin aequinoctium, which translates as "equal night," referring to the equality between the length of day and night.
- Change in the sky: After the autumn equinox, the days begin to progressively shorten in the northern hemisphere, and the nights become longer. This process continues until the winter solstice in December, when the nights become longer and the days shorter.
- Relations with agriculture: In many ancient cultures, the autumn equinox marked the end of the harvest season. It was a crucial time to gather food before temperatures dropped. Throughout history, various agricultural festivals and rituals have been held at this time.
- Holidays: Cultures around the world celebrate the autumn equinox in different ways. For example, in Japan, Shūbun no Hi is celebrated, a day to honor ancestors and reflect on the balance of nature. In Celtic tradition, the autumn equinox was commemorated with the Mabon festival, a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest.
- Myths and legends: In Greek mythology, the autumn equinox is associated with the myth of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who is taken to the underworld by Hades. Her departure marks the beginning of autumn, while her return to Earth ushers in spring.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about when the autumn equinox is and its curiosities.