The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, this event occurs on Thursday, March 20, at 5:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Beaumont Enterprise+2CT Insider+2Beaumont Enterprise+2Farmers’ Almanac+3Beaumont Enterprise+3Beaumont Enterprise+3
The term “equinox” is derived from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), indicating a time when day and night are approximately equal in length. This phenomenon happens twice a year—during the spring and fall equinoxes—when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe. Beaumont EnterpriseCT Insider
Astronomical Significance
The spring equinox is a specific moment when the Sun’s center passes directly over the equator. This event signifies the transition from winter to spring, leading to progressively longer days and shorter nights until the summer solstice. CT Insider+2Farmers’ Almanac+2Farmers’ Almanac+2CT Insider
Cultural and Historical Celebrations
Throughout history, the spring equinox has been celebrated by various cultures as a time of renewal and rebirth:
Ancient Mayans: At the pyramid of El Castillo in Chichen Itza, during the equinox, the setting sun creates a shadow that resembles a serpent descending the pyramid’s steps, symbolizing the return of the serpent deity, Kukulcán. Beaumont Enterprise
Persian New Year (Nowruz): This 3,000-year-old festival marks the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring, celebrated with various rituals and festivities.
Easter and Passover: In Christianity and Judaism, respectively, these significant religious observances are linked to the timing of the spring equinox and the phases of the Moon.
Debunking Common Equinox Myths
Several misconceptions surround the equinox:
Egg Balancing: A popular myth suggests that eggs can only be balanced on their ends during the equinox. In reality, with patience, eggs can be balanced on any day of the year. Farmers’ Almanac
Equal Day and Night: While “equinox” implies equal day and night, true equality depends on your geographic location and occurs a few days before or after the equinox. Beaumont Enterprise
Meteorological vs. Astronomical Spring
It’s important to distinguish between meteorological and astronomical definitions of spring:
Meteorological Spring: Based on the calendar and temperature cycles, meteorological spring begins on March 1 and ends on May 31.
Astronomical Spring: Determined by Earth’s position relative to the Sun, astronomical spring starts on the equinox (around March 20) and ends on the summer solstice (around June 21). Farmers’ Almanac
Weather Patterns During the Equinox
The arrival of spring brings noticeable changes in weather patterns:
Increasing Temperatures: As daylight hours extend, temperatures gradually rise, leading to the blooming of flora and increased agricultural activities.
Unpredictable Weather: Spring is often characterized by fluctuating weather conditions, including sudden rain showers and storms.
Astronomical Observations