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Solstices and Equinoxes: Changing of the Seasons

The equinox and solstice mark the changing of the seasons. For the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice, which occurs in late June, marks the shift from spring to summer, while the winter solstice, which occurs in late December, marks the move from fall to winter. Also for the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox happens in late March, marking the move from winter to spring, and the autumnal equinox occurs in September, signaling the change from summer to fall.

For the Southern Hemisphere, the changes in season are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere.

The Meaning of Equinox and Solstice
The equinoxes are the two days of the year that night and day are of equal duration. This happens because the sun is directly over Earth's equator on these days. Interestingly, the word "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night).

In contrast, the solstices occur on the two days of the year when the Earth is tilted in such a way that places it in its furthest point from the sun. The word "solstice" means "sun stands" in Latin.

Equinox Times
Each equinox and solstice marks the beginning of a season.Long tied to celestial calculations, the winter solstice typically appears on calendar listings as the "first day of winter," which is on or about December 21. The first day of summer arrives in the same manner, on or about June 21.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the dates for autumn equinox are on or about September 22. The spring equinox happens on or about March 21.

Celebrations of Solstice and Equinox
Since ancient times, people have found much to celebrate in the changing of the seasons. Many rituals are rooted in spiritual or Christian beliefs as well as in pagan festivities.

The pagans saw the spring solstice as a time of rebirth, as it marked the end of winter and signaled that it was time to plant the crops. To celebrate the spring solstice, the pagans held lavish festivals.

There are many historical traditions tied to summer solstice as well. To mark the longest day of the year, the ancient pagans threw festivals during which they would drink mead, a beverage made from honey. As a result, the summer solstice moon came to be known as the "honeymoon." The summer solstice was also the time when couples would marry, thus aligning marriages with the honeymoon.

The winter solstice marked the beginning of a harsh season for the pagans. To mark the shortest day of the year, pagans lit candles and built fires to symbolize hope and endurance.

Interesting Solstice and Equinox Facts
Here are a few interesting solstice and equinox facts:

  • Due to the position of the sun, equinoxes have interfered with communications satellites.
  • For a brief period of time both preceding and following the solstices, the sun appears to stand still in the sky.
  • Legend has it that the Earth's gravitational pull will allow an egg to balance on its point during an equinox. While this legend has intrigued many people, it is simply a myth. Eggs can be balanced on any day of the year.
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