Celebrating the Autumn Equinox
Written by: Bryna Campbell, Art by Mike Murawski
The autumnal equinox is an exciting time of year to get outdoors and explore. “Equinox” derives from the Latin words “aequi” (which means equal) and “nox” (which means night) and marks the exact moment between the two solstices when the length of dark and light are nearly the same. In autumn, the equinox is marked by changes in the natural world that signal a maturation and preparation for the winter months. It has affiliations with harvest, abundance, gathering, slowing down, and gratitude.
The autumnal equinox is a time of year that can remind us how we are connected to nature through the bounties it provides. It gives us time to reflect on the relationship between humans and other animals that like many of us use this time to gather the foods of the season to store for the less bountiful months. It’s also a time to talk to kids about seasonal changes around us, and notice how colder and shorter days affect the living world. The transition from shorter nights to shorter days is also a reminder that our very existence is connected intimately to the relationship between our planet and the solar system.
Need ideas to celebrate the autumnal equinox? Here are some ideas to help you out:
Observe:
Autumn is a great time to observe nature in transition. Take time out of your day about once a week over the next two months to notice how the trees and plants change. Which tree leaves change colors first? Which leaves drop more quickly, and which hang on? What is happening to other plants?
Together as a family, try taking some notes to observe the sky over the next several weeks. Where is the sun rising and setting on the horizon right now? Try using internet tools to keep track of the changing sunrise and sunset times.
What are the animals doing right now? Take time to watch squirrels, crows, jays and other backyard birds. Listen and watch for migrating birds heading south. With your family, plan a trip to a wetland to get a closer look at the birds that pass through the region on their southerly migration route.
Or download this fun, quick guide to the Autumn Equinox to color and use as you make your observations of the changing season
Reflect on Change and Transformation in your Life
The signs of autumn that we see in the natural world (especially in the tree foliage) are dramatic reminders that the world is always in a state of change. Try setting aside time with your family to reflect on the small and large ways your life has changed since the previous fall. How have you and your family grown? What kinds of changes are to come in the year ahead?
Learn about Autumn Traditions and Celebrations Around the World
For thousands of years, the autumnal equinox has been honored around the world. Many cultures affiliate this date with the beginnings of harvest season, celebrating with feasts, gifts, special foods, and offerings of gratitude. The equinox also has close associations in many celebrations with the “harvest moon,” which is the full moon that occurs closest to the equinox. In some cultures - most notably Japan - the autumn equinox is marked as a time to honor ancestors and the dead.
Celebrate and Offer Gratitude
Take time during autumn to offer gratitude to the foods that the natural world provides, and to honor the patterns of our natural world. Celebrate the foods of the season with meals and gatherings with family and friends.
Take cues from the animals and begin to prepare for the darker colder months, when all is more quiet and restful. As we share this, in 2021, it’s especially important to acknowledge the value of rest.
Whether your family uses this time of year to explore the seasonal changes or honor it with a harvest celebration, we hope you have a joyous and autumn equinox!