The Spring Equinox

It is the time of year when the sun’s center crosses the equator and the length of day and night are almost the same (twelve hours) everywhere on earth. It happens twice a year: in March (spring equinox), and in September (autumn equinox). The March equinox marks the first day of spring.

There are different rituals and traditions from all over the world that celebrate the spring equinox. The Christian Easter borrowed its name from the Germanic goddess Eostre, who a very long time ago was believed to be the goddess of spring. Celebrations of Eostre happened on the day of the spring equinox. One belief is that, once upon a time, rabbits were birds that Eostre turned into furry four-legged floppy-eared animals who could lay eggs. That is why eggs and bunnies are part of our Easter tradition. Another belief about the spring equinox is that the fairies come out and dance in the forests.