First Day of Spring 2023: Vernal Equinox & Fun Facts

Happy First Day of Spring 2023! 

Today marks the vernal equinox, the official start of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. But what exactly does this mean? Let's explore some fun facts about the spring equinox and the start of this beautiful season.

So, what the spring equinox actually is? 

The equinox occurs twice a year, in March and September, when the Earth's axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the sun. This means that both hemispheres receive equal amounts of daylight and darkness. It's a time of balance and renewal, and many cultures and religions have celebrated the equinox for thousands of years.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox is a time of new beginnings. As the weather warms up, flowers start to bloom, trees start to bud, and animals come out of hibernation. It's a time to shake off the winter blues and embrace the energy of the season.

But did you know that the spring equinox also has some scientific significance?

On this day, the Earth's orbit takes it to a specific point in space, known as the vernal point, which is the point where the plane of the Earth's equator intersects with the plane of the ecliptic. This is what creates the balance of light and darkness that we experience during the equinox.

Here are some other fun facts about the start of the spring season:

• The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words "aequus" and "nox," which mean "equal night." This refers to the fact that during the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length.
• The spring equinox marks the beginning of the astrological year in some cultures. In astrology, the spring equinox is associated with rebirth, renewal, and growth.
• The spring equinox is also associated with fertility and new life. Many ancient cultures celebrated spring festivals that involved planting seeds, lighting bonfires, and performing rituals to encourage growth and prosperity.
• The first day of spring is a popular time for festivals and celebrations around the world. In Japan, for example, the equinox is a time to honor ancestors and visit family graves. In Iran, the spring equinox is celebrated as the Persian New Year, or Nowruz.
• The spring equinox is a great time to start new projects, set new goals, and embrace new opportunities. It's a time to let go of the old and welcome in the new.

So as we welcome the first day of spring 2023, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty and magic of this season. Whether you're planting seeds in your garden, taking a walk in nature, or simply enjoying the sunshine, let's embrace the energy of renewal and growth that comes with the equinox. 

Happy spring!