By: Twyla Vlahon

Spring has sprung! Today, March 19, is this year’s March equinox, the first day of spring. This day marks the beginning of all the bounty typical of springtime: snow melting away, flowers blossoming, baby animals being born, the whole shebang!

There are two equinoxes per year, the autumnal equinox and the vernal equinox (also known as the spring equinox). These dates are the only two times per year that the day and the night are almost exactly the same length. After today, each day will get longer in preparation for the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Globally, today is called the March equinox because it (obviously) takes place in March, though the date changes slightly each year based on Earth’s orbit. 

Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this year, and that may have been more astronomically accurate than you know! The date of the spring equinox is different every year, generally between March 19 and March 21, making this year quite early. And it’s not spring for everyone! The dates get longer for us in the Northern Hemisphere because our side of the planet is tilted more towards the sun, meaning the Southern Hemisphere is tilted further away. Because of this, today is the spring equinox for us and the autumn equinox for those south of the equator. However, today the sun is shining equally on both hemispheres, giving us all an (approximately, give or take a few seconds) equal day and night. 

In fact, the word “equinox” roughly translates from Latin to “equal night.” All over the world and for thousands of years, people have honored this day as a time of new beginnings. Celebrations vary globally, but they share themes of (metaphorically or literally) planting new seeds and giving thanks for all that has made it through the harshness of winter. 

In Japan, it is common to visit, clean and decorate familial graves on Vernal Equinox Day, which is the start of the cherry blossom season. Easter and Passover are both Abrahamic holidays that, while not fully related to the equinox, have adopted many springtime symbols and traditions such as rabbits and eggs (because baby bunnies and birds are a common sight in the early spring season). Both emphasize togetherness and are often accompanied by feasting and gift-giving. Similarly, the Persian New Year is observed around this time with large family meals, and even shares the affinity for painted eggs! Many European-influenced pagans celebrate the Wiccan sabbat (meaning holy day) of Ostara by planting symbolically important greenery, making floral recipes and spending time in nature. 

All these holidays exist because spring is, for many people, an inspiring time. A season of fertility and growth, it encourages people to (again, metaphorically and literally) shed their winter coats and explore the outdoors again. Both on the day of the equinox itself and throughout the entire spring season, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy this year. Many take inspiration from nature’s rebirth by reorganizing their homes or schedules, cutting out things that are no longer necessary or enjoyable (you didn’t think the idea of “spring cleaning” came outta nowhere, did you?). Getting some fresh air through peaceful walks or outdoor sports is also a great way to take in the beauty of the season. And most importantly, spending time with friends and family is an element of all the traditions listed above for a reason. Because winter can be so isolating as everybody coops up inside, it is important to reconnect with the hobbies, places and relationships you may have left on the back burner in colder months. 

This spring equinox, be sure to take the time to soak in some fun and sun! Of course, each season has its own perks and downsides–spring is also known for its random cold snaps and dreary rain, after all–but if you take every aspect of the season in stride, you can experience all the natural world has to offer. Get messy, stop and smell the roses and, most importantly, have a good time! If you want to learn more about the March equinox, visit https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-spring-vernal-equinox or https://www.weather.gov/abq/clifeatures_springequinox.

Photo courtesy of enjoyillinois.com