Day of the Autumn Equinox: significance of this day and folk traditions.

The autumn equinox is when the duration of day and night is equal all over the Earth.

In 2024, this will occur on September 22 at 15:43 Kyiv Time and will mark the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, including Ukraine.

After this date, nights will become longer than days, and this trend will continue until the winter solstice on December 21.

On the day of the autumn equinox, the center of the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the northern hemisphere of the celestial sphere to the southern. On this day, the duration of daylight and night is almost equal all over the Earth, lasting approximately 12 hours each. The autumn equinox marks the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern. After this day, nights gradually become longer than days in the Northern Hemisphere, and this trend continues until the winter solstice.

There were various traditions on the Day of the Autumn Equinox. In particular, it was a time for summing up and planning for the future. People also hung rowan branches around windows to protect against evil spirits and prepared various dishes and baked goods, gathering the family around a common table. Divination was also practiced, and deceased relatives were remembered.

There were also several beliefs associated with the Day of the Autumn Equinox. For example, clear and warm weather on this day meant a long and sunny autumn, while strong winds foretold a cold winter. There were also signs about birch or oak leaves, a bountiful harvest of rowan berries, rain, and migratory birds, which predicted certain weather conditions and events in the future.

Today, people also pay attention to the Day of the Autumn Equinox. Some follow the traditions of their ancestors, some give thanks for the harvest, and for others, it is simply an interesting astronomical date.