March 20

Spring Equinox

A cultural observance on March 20 marking the astronomical start of spring and celebrating the renewal of nature and equal lengths of day and night in the Northern Hemisphere.

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Celebrate the balance of light and dark with the Spring Equinox on March 20! Known also as the Vernal Equinox, this day has been celebrated throughout history as a time of renewal, rebirth, and hope. Did you know that the word “equinox” comes from Latin, meaning 'equal night'? That's right, on the day of the equinox, hours of daylight and darkness are the same all over the world! Many ancient cultures built monuments like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids to point directly towards the rising sun on the day of the Spring Equinox. So let's welcome this exciting day, toast to the warmer months ahead, and marvel at the beauty of the natural world waking up from its winter sleep!

Spring Equinox Timeline

3000 BC

Stonehenge Construction

The prehistoric monument Stonehenge is estimated to have been constructed, its layout aligns with the sunrises of the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes.

2500 BC

Great Pyramid Alignment

Around this time, the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed with precise alignment to the celestial events, including Spring Equinox.

23 BC

Julius Caesar's Calendar Reform

Julius Caesar introduces a new calendar system in Rome that better aligns with solar year and equinoxes than previous lunar calendars.

325 AD

Council of Nicaea

The Council determines the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the March equinox, establishing a link between the holiday and the equinox.

1582

Gregorian Calendar Introduced

Pope Gregory XIII introduces the Gregorian calendar. This improved upon Julius Caesar's calendar, further aligning the calendar year with the solar year and stabilizing the dates of the equinoxes.

How to Celebrate Spring Equinox

1 Host a spring-cleaning party

Invite your friends and family members for a collective spring cleaning party. Not only will it make the task more enjoyable but it will also be a great occasion to celebrate the beginning of the new season together.

2 Start a garden

Nothing says spring like fresh, new plant life! Start your own garden or spruce up your existing one. You could also plant a tree to celebrate the season's focus on growing and renewal.

3 Organize a picnic in the park

Celebrate spring by spending as much time outside as possible. Organize a picnic in your local park or nature reserve and revel in the beauty of blossoming flowers and chirping birds as you enjoy your snacks.

4 Create an equinox artwork

Find inspiration from the equal balance of day and night and express it through art. Whether it's painting, sketching, sculpting or even recycling products that represent spring, let your creativity flow.

5 Participate in a Yoga or Meditation Class

Spring equinox is a time of balance and harmony. Why not participate in a yoga or meditation class to center yourself, aligned with the theme of the day? You could even gather friends and host a session outdoors to truly connect with nature.

Why We Love Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox symbolizes renewal

The Spring Equinox is loved as a time of rebirth, growth and fresh beginnings. It encourages us to shake off the frosty winter blues and embrace vibrant energy as nature wakes up. It's a symbolic time to start anew, which is both exciting and hopeful.

Balance of light and dark

On the day of Spring Equinox, the hours of daylight and darkness are equal all over the world. This balance inspires us to find harmony in our own lives, and to celebrate the equilibrium between various facets of life.

Celebrating outdoors

The Spring Equinox is best celebrated outdoors - be it organizing a picnic, starting a garden or even hosting an outdoor yoga or meditation session. It's an opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature and appreciate the warmer temperatures and blossoming flowers.