How cultures worldwide celebrate the spring equinox

Learn about spring equinox traditions.

It’s a time of rebirth around the globe.

Explore its cultural significance.

The spring equinox, a time when day and night stand in perfect balance, heralds the arrival of spring and is celebrated around the world with diverse and vibrant traditions.

This universal event has been recognized by various cultures throughout history as a moment of rebirth, renewal and gratitude for the Earth’s bounty.

From ancient rituals at megalithic sites to modern-day festivals, the ways in which the spring equinox is observed reflect the rich tapestry of global customs and beliefs.

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Nowruz is The Persian New Year

Nowruz, which means «new day» in Persian, marks the spring equinox and is celebrated as the start of the new year in Iran and other parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.

This ancient festival, with roots dating back over 3,000 years, is filled with symbolic rituals that emphasize nature, renewal and the shedding of old habits to make way for new beginnings.

Families prepare by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes and setting up the Haft-Seen, a special table displaying seven items that start with the letter ‘S’ in Persian, each symbolizing a different hope for the new year.

Nowruz is a time of joyous gatherings, delicious feasts, and a deep connection to the Earth’s cycles, reinforcing the themes of rebirth and rejuvenation.

Spring equinox traditions: Higan in Japan

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Higan, a Buddhist observance in Japan, takes place during both the spring and autumn equinoxes, focusing on the spiritual journey from the world of suffering to the other shore of enlightenment.

The week surrounding the equinox is a time for Japanese people to visit family graves, pay respects to their ancestors, and reflect on the impermanence of life.

Traditions include cleaning grave sites, offering prayers and preparing special foods like ohagi (sweet rice balls covered in red bean paste), symbolizing the connection between the living and the departed.

Higan’s emphasis on balance and harmony resonates with the equinox’s theme of equilibrium, encouraging individuals to find peace and perspective.

Easter and spring equinox traditions

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While Easter’s date varies each year, its celebration is closely linked to the spring equinox, embodying themes of resurrection and new life that align with the season’s essence.

Rooted in Christian tradition, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but many of its associated symbols, like eggs and rabbits, are ancient symbols of fertility and renewal that predate Christianity.

In many Western countries, Easter is celebrated with egg hunts, the gifting of chocolate bunnies and special church services, all of which reflect the joy and hope that spring brings.

The intertwining of Easter with spring’s arrival highlights the enduring human inclination to celebrate life’s cyclical nature and the promise of renewal.

The Mayan observance at Chichen Itza

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In Mexico, the ancient Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza serves as a stunning backdrop for spring equinox celebrations, drawing visitors from around the world.

On this day, the setting sun casts a series of shadows on the pyramid’s steps, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the structure, an event known as the Descent of Kukulkan.

This awe-inspiring phenomenon reflects the Mayans’ advanced understanding of astronomy and their reverence for the cycles of nature, particularly the renewal of life in spring.

The gathering at Chichen Itza is a powerful reminder of humanity’s longstanding fascination with celestial events and the ways in which they inform our understanding of time and existence.