Solar new year
You're referring to the Solar New Year!
The Solar New Year, also known as the Vernal Equinox or Spring Equinox, marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It typically falls on March 20 or March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, and September 22 or September 23 in the Southern Hemisphere.
This day is significant because it's the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the beginning of a new season. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words "aequus," meaning "equal," and "nox," meaning "night," because on this day, the length of daylight and darkness are approximately equal.
In many cultures, the Solar New Year is celebrated with festivals and rituals to mark the renewal of life and the arrival of warmer weather. Some examples include:
- Nowruz (Persian New Year): Celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.
- Ostara (Germanic New Year): In Germanic cultures, Ostara is celebrated on the spring equinox, marking the return of light and fertility. It's often associated with eggs, rabbits, and other symbols of new life.
- Vernal Equinox (Chinese New Year): In China, the Vernal Equinox is celebrated as the beginning of spring, and is often marked with traditional foods, decorations, and family gatherings.
The Solar New Year is a time to reflect on the cyclical nature of life, to let go of the past, and to look forward to the new beginnings that spring brings.