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SPRING EQUINOX TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE IN COLORADO Words by Kristen Grace HITOMI MATSUOKA
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
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he spring equinox — which lands on March
For farmers and growers north of the
20 this year — marks the beginning of a
equator, March is the time for sowing and
new season. The word equinox stems from the
dreaming of harvest. With more daylight hours
Latin aequus, meaning equal, and nox, meaning
upon us, there is more time for producing. Plus,
night. Also known as the vernal equinox, the
the weather warms, inviting seeds to emerge
phenomenon occurs when the earth’s axis is
with new growth and creatures to spring forth
tilting neither toward nor away from the sun.
from hibernation.
Spring is set into motion when the earth’s axis
Many cultures revere the spring equinox for
begins tilting toward the sun after the equinox.
the beauty, hope and excitement it holds. From
In the southern hemisphere, spring occurs in
sacred times of rest to adoring the natural world
September.
to ceremonial dances and food festivals, spring