Western N. Carolina – As winter bids farewell and nature begins to awaken from its slumber, the arrival of the spring equinox marks a time of transition and renewal. Observed annually in March, the spring equinox holds special significance across cultures and traditions, symbolizing the balance between light and darkness and the promise of new beginnings and warmer weather even though we’ve not had a bad winter here in Western North Carolina this year.
The term “equinox” originates from the Latin words “aequus,” meaning equal, and “nox,” meaning night. During the spring equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length, with the sun crossing the celestial equator, heralding the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the equinox occurred on March 19.
For millennia, civilizations around the world have celebrated the spring equinox with various rituals and festivities. In ancient times, the spring equinox marked the beginning of the agricultural season, as farmers prepared to sow their fields and reap the bounty of the earth. Festivals honoring fertility deities and goddesses of spring, such as Ostara in Germanic paganism and Eostre in Anglo-Saxon tradition, were common during this time, symbolizing the renewal of life and the fertility of the land.
Here in the mountains, we live under no illusions that the spring equinox will be the last we see of cold weather or even snow. Farmers know a cold snap could kill a lot of the buds on plants and trees, especially apple trees for the numerous groves in Henderson County. We still have Dogwood and Blackberry winter to go through, when we will get a cold snap, and I have an acquaintance who has bet family we’ll have six inches of snow before the month of March is out.
Anyway, in modern times, the spring equinox continues to be celebrated in diverse ways. In many cultures, it is a time of joyous gatherings, feasting, and outdoor activities to welcome the warmer weather and longer days. For some, it is a spiritual occasion marked by meditation, reflection, and gratitude for the gifts of nature.
One of the most famous celebrations of the spring equinox is the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, which coincides with the equinox and has been observed for over 3,000 years. Nowruz festivities include elaborate feasts, symbolic rituals, and the tradition of setting a “haft-seen” table adorned with seven symbolic items representing the renewal of life and the triumph of light over darkness. There was a Nowruz event held in Fairfax, VA, on Sunday, March 10, that included more than 60 booth vendors and was a free event.
In modern astronomy, the spring equinox also holds scientific significance. It marks the point in Earth’s orbit when the tilt of its axis is neither inclined away from nor towards the sun, resulting in nearly equal periods of daylight and darkness at all latitudes.
It’s also about the same time Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christian Easter, the holiest of celebrations in the Christian faith, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. Observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, Easter represents the triumph of life over death and the redemption of humanity through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus.
For Christians worldwide, Easter is a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and rejoicing in the promise of salvation and eternal life. The celebration typically includes church services, prayer, hymns, and the sharing of symbolic rituals such as the Easter Vigil and the lighting of candles. Beyond its religious significance, Easter is also a time for families and communities to come together, exchange greetings of “Christ is risen!” and partake in festive traditions such as enjoying special meals. As believers gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, Easter serves as a profound reminder of God’s love, grace, and the hope of new beginnings for all who believe. The equinox is truly a time for all to celebrate.