Beyond the
Seasons Spring is almost here! We celebrate the first day of spring on March 21st on the Spring Equinox. Equinox means “equal night.” On this day we have sunlight for 12 hours and no sun for 12 hours - across the entire globe. The same is true for September 21st, the Fall Equinox. On June 21st, the first day of summer, or the Summer Solstice, we have the most hours of sunlight, and on the Winter Solstice, December 21st, the first day of winter, the sun’s southern position creates the longest night. While designating the first day of a new season is fairly well known, did you know we also celebrate four more seasonal dates, collectively called “cross-quarter” days that mark the midpoints between seasons? Groundhog Day has made a history of predicting how much longer winter will last, but the date actually marks the midpoint between the first days of winter and spring. May 1st, or May Day, marks the midpoint between spring and summer. This is traditionally the time to begin spring planting. It’s also an international holiday to honor workers. Perhaps the least known cross-quarter day is the one marking the midpoint between summer and fall. Lammas, or “Loaf Mass Day” on August 1st is traditionally a celebration of the first fruits of the harvest. The last cross quarter day remains the most famous, Halloween. Marking the midpoint between fall and winter, it ushers in a time of darkness and cold. Now, when you think of seasonal celebrations, don’t just think of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Think of Groundhog Day, May Day, Lammas, and Halloween. Ron Smith has spent his career lecturing and teaching astronomy, meteorology, and earth science. In retirement, Ron continues to enjoy sharing his love of science with others.
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