The term ‘equinox’ is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). On this day, the night and day are of the same length. This is because the tilt of the earth’s axis is neither near nor away from the sun, and the centre of the sun and the centre of the earth are in the same plane. There are two equinoxes every year – one in September and another in March. The one in September is called the ‘Autumnal Equinox’ and the one in March is called the ‘Spring Equinox’. The ‘Spring Equinox’ normally falls on March 21. The ‘Autumnal Equinox’ is observed in the northern hemisphere and marks the beginning of the autumn season. In Japan, both equinoxes are observed as national holidays. In China around this time, the moon festival is observed, celebrating the abundance of summer’s harvest.
Witness two equinoxes every year
