The autumnal equinox occurs on September 23rd, ushering in a new season. The equinoxes (both autumnal – fall, and vernal – spring) mark the points in the year when the sun crosses the equator, so that every place on earth experiences an equal amount of daylight and darkness. The equinoxes have been observed and celebrated for thousands of years and have significance for many different cultures.
The Britons situated Stonehenge in relation to the spring and fall equinoxes and the winter and summer solstices, when their culture would gather and have religious ceremonies. Christians celebrate Michaelmas, in honor of the Archangel Michael, shortly after the autumnal equinox. In the Middle Ages,
it was a time of great feasting. Pagans call the fall equinox Mabon and consider it a time for thanksgiving and for reflecting on the past season.
Autumnal Equinox Day is a Japanese national holiday, when people mark the change of the seasons and pay respects to deceased family members.
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