The Autumnal Equinox, one of the 24 major solar terms of the year, marks the time when day and night are of nearly equal length, ushering in Autumn – a season of gentle change and tranquility. For many cultures, this is a sacred moment, a sign of balance and harmony between nature and life.
The Autumn Equinox, which occurs around September 23 every year, is one of the 24 solar terms of the lunar calendar. This is the time when day and night are of equal length, signaling the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. This term not only has climatic significance, but also carries profound spiritual and cultural values.
There are only two times of the year when the length of day and night is technically almost exactly equal across the planet, and those are the Spring and Fall equinoxes.
The Autumnal Equinox is not a day, but a moment — and this year it’s at 9:04 p.m. Eastern Time on September 22 in the United States, or 8:04 a.m. on September 23 in Hanoi. This is the brief moment when the Sun’s rays are perpendicular to the Earth’s equator, marking the astronomical transition from summer to fall in the Northern Hemisphere and from winter to spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
When does the Autumnal Equinox begin?
The Autumnal Equinox begins on September 23 or 24 and ends on October 8. On the first day of this solar term, the sun is at 180 degrees longitude. During the Autumnal Equinox, the sun moves apparently south and reaches the equator. At 12 o'clock on the first day of the Autumnal Equinox, the sun makes an angle of 90 degrees with the tangent of the equator. In fact, the earth moves in an orbit around the sun and at this time neither hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, so the amount of temperature, light, and illumination time in the two hemispheres are equal. There is no difference in the time of day and night like in previous periods. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the time of the Autumnal Equinox, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is mid-spring.
Decreased sunlight in fall to early winter is the main reason why leaves turn yellow, red and fall off.
Symbol of balance
On the day of the Autumnal Equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator, making day and night almost equal in length. More than just an astronomical phenomenon, the Autumnal Equinox carries with it a profound meaning of balance in life. This is a time when people can pause, reflect on the past and prepare for the changes to come.
During the Autumn Equinox, due to the sun's southward shift, the Northern Hemisphere continues to experience a decrease in temperature, light, water vapor, and the accumulated heat of the Earth tends to dissipate to balance with the environment. During this period, due to the sharp decrease in natural factors, plants photosynthesize poorly, and the lives of all species enter a latent state, waiting for a new opportunity.
Regarding the weather, when entering the Autumnal Equinox, the air gradually changes from hot to cold. Therefore, everyone needs to take care of their health. In particular, the elderly and children need to keep their bodies warm. Also starting from the Autumnal Equinox, plants prepare to enter a state of "hibernation". Therefore, the growth factors become weaker, the cold air increases, and the yin prevails.
Autumn – The season of ripeness
The Autumnal Equinox is the time when the characteristics of Autumn are most clearly shown, the weather becomes cooler, the sunlight is no longer as harsh as in Summer. In the morning, the air is cooler. In the afternoon, it is cool. In the evening, there is a distinct breath of cold Autumn. The trees begin to change color, yellow leaves gradually replace green. In many places, trees begin to enter the deciduous stage, creating a peaceful natural picture covered by a beautiful carpet of yellow leaves. The sky is clearer with light white clouds drifting, creating a gentle and relaxing feeling. Many species of plants begin to disperse fruits, seeds, and reproductive spores to maintain their species. Animals also take advantage of the warm weather to find food reserves, helping them survive in their caves through the long winter. Some migratory species gradually move south to avoid the cold of the approaching winter.
According to the agricultural calendar, the Autumn Equinox is the time when crops are ripe, signaling the upcoming harvest. The golden rice fields and the heavy fruits on the branches all evoke images of fulfillment and achievement after the efforts and hard work throughout the Spring and Summer. Nature seems to be generously rewarding humans, before entering the cold winter days.
In the past, people often rested and left their fields fallow until winter, but now, farming techniques have developed and people can grow more winter crops and vegetables.
Spirit of contemplation
Autumn is not only the end of the hot summer days but also the beginning of a journey of rebirth. Autumn opens up a time for us to look back at ourselves, reorganize our lives and seek peace of mind. Autumn is chilly, the gentle breezes blow through the leaves, the orange-yellow color of the trees evokes a feeling of nostalgia and contemplation.
The Autumnal Equinox not only signals the change of weather, but also reminds us of the cycle of time and the spiritual values that we need to cherish. When the sunlight gently shines through the yellow leaves, Autumn quietly enters our hearts, bringing with it peaceful and gentle emotions.
Autumn Equinox in culture
In many parts of the world, the Autumnal Equinox is considered a time to celebrate balance and harmony in life. In East Asian culture, this season also carries a message of harmony between humans and nature. People often take the time to express gratitude to the earth, ancestors and the simple things in life.
Vietnam, China: Autumn Equinox is the time when farmers prepare to harvest their crops. This is also the time to thank the land for nurturing their crops throughout a long season. In the countryside, the atmosphere of the harvest day is bustling, promising a bountiful harvest, bringing joy and prosperity to every family. Autumn Equinox falls near the end of the year, the air is somewhat pleasant and cool, so it is very suitable for outdoor activities. One of the major festivals is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which symbolizes family reunion, to honor the moon and fulfillment. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people often organize many fun and entertaining activities such as: lion dance, lion dance, fireworks, lantern procession, etc. Families also often gather together, enjoy moon cakes, watch the moon and chat.
Japan: Autumn Equinox is an official holiday in Japan, celebrated as a traditional festival when people from far away return to reunite with their families and visit the graves of their loved ones. In Japan, people perform the **Higan** ritual to remember their ancestors and family.
Harvest Festival in Europe and America: On the Autumnal Equinox to pray for a bountiful harvest and wish good things for everyone. People in European and American countries often celebrate the "Harvest Festival" or in England, it is also known as "Harvest Moon Day".
Enjoy Autumn with all the peace and quiet it brings, to refresh yourself before entering a new cycle of life.
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