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The September Equinox is approaching, which means it's almost time to witness the descent of the Feathered Serpent from the Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. Did you know that the fall equinox can also be observed around the world? Keep reading to find out more.
To better understand this phenomenon, we first need to delve into what it is, why it happens, and why it appears as if a serpent is descending the steps of El Castillo at Chichen Itza.
The September equinox, also known as the fall equinox, occurs when neither of the Earth's hemispheres is tilted toward or away from the Sun. As a result, the Sun is directly over the equator, providing almost equal amounts of daylight and darkness.
This event is significant because it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the next season, fall. However, there isn't a specific date for this phenomenon as it can vary from year to year. In 2024, the equinox will occur on September 22nd, so be sure to plan ahead to witness it and organize your visit or guided tour of Chichen Itza.
Another important aspect of the fall equinox is that it is characterized by shorter days and longer nights.
This phenomenon also signals the start of various festivals and rituals around the world that hold great significance for each region or country.
Every year, with the arrival of the September Equinox, a celebration takes place along the banks of the Neris River in Vilnius, Lithuania. This celebration symbolizes the transition from summer to fall and a period of balance between day and night.
Traditional festivities often include the creation of small boats with candles that are floated downstream as part of a symbolic ritual. This practice has its roots in ancient Baltic pagan traditions, where the river represents the flow of time and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. Additionally, during the fall equinox, people give thanks for the harvest and the abundance of nature.
In Japan, the arrival of fall is celebrated with a traditional Buddhist practice called “Ohigan,” which involves honoring ancestors as a way to reflect on one's own life.
During the equinox, families visit ancestral graves to clean them and offer food, incense, and flowers. This practice is rooted in the belief that the equinox is a time when the worlds of the living and the dead are closest.
Mabon, or Haleg-Monath, is a pagan festival celebrated during the fall equinox, also known as the September equinox.
These festivities mark the second harvest and offer an opportunity to give thanks for the earth’s bounty. Celebrations often include feasts, the gathering of seasonal fruits like apples, the creation of decorated altars, and rituals that honor the cycles of nature, balancing light and darkness.
The equinox at Chichen Itza is an event that continues to astonish generations.
When this phenomenon occurs, the sunlight directly illuminates the Pyramid of Kukulkan, casting a shadow that creates an optical illusion of a serpent descending the stairs. If you visit Chichen Itza during the equinox, it is recommended to wear white clothing, as it is said to attract new energies.
Sukkot is a Jewish festival that coincides with the autumnal equinox, celebrated five days after Yom Kippur. It commemorates the Israelites' 40-year journey in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt. During Sukkot, Jewish families build temporary structures called sukkahs, where they eat meals and sometimes sleep, to remember the fragile dwellings their ancestors lived in during their wanderings. The equinox is significant as it marks a time of harvest, and Sukkot is also known as the "Festival of Ingathering." The festival lasts for seven days and includes the waving of the four species—palm, willow, myrtle, and citron—as part of a ritual to give thanks for the harvest and to pray for rain in the coming season.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the fall equinox occurs in March, marking the transition from summer to fall. This period is often associated with agricultural activities such as harvesting crops. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, the equinox is a time to celebrate the earth's bounty and prepare for the cooler months ahead. While there are no specific widespread cultural rituals unique to the Southern Hemisphere, communities often engage in local festivals that celebrate the changing seasons, with a focus on sustainability and the importance of the natural world.
In Chile, the fall equinox signals the beginning of fall and is celebrated with various cultural activities that highlight the country's rich agricultural heritage. Traditional events may include local fairs and markets where seasonal produce is showcased, along with folk music and dance performances. The equinox is also a time for reflection on the relationship between humans and the environment, with many communities participating in activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation. These celebrations often emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between modern life and traditional practices that honor the earth and its cycles.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated by the Chinese community and has gained popularity among the wider population. The festival occurs around the time of the autumnal equinox and is one of the most important Chinese cultural celebrations. It is marked by the sharing of mooncakes, a traditional pastry filled with sweet bean paste and often a salted egg yolk, symbolizing unity and completeness. The festival also includes lion dances, lantern displays, and cultural performances that celebrate the harvest and the importance of family. In Buenos Aires, the festival is a vibrant and colorful event that brings together people of different cultural backgrounds to enjoy the rich traditions associated with the equinox.