The vernal equinox of 2024 will fall on March 20. Every year, this spring date means that the day is equal to the night and the astronomical spring begins. The expression "equinox" was formed from the Latin "equinoxium", which translates as "equality between day and night". This is the moment when the range of day and night is identical in the southern and northern hemispheres. Scientists explain the day of the vernal equinox as follows: the onset of the day is determined by the emergence above the sky of a part of the solar disk, and not its center.
Throughout the world, except for the poles, the day is equal to the night and lasts twelve hours. This happens only twice in 365 days, in autumn and spring (the equinoxes), when daylight rises in the east and sets in the west. It is during these periods, when you are on the equator, you can observe how the "light of the day" floats directly overhead.
Traditions are associated with the spring equinox
The date of the vernal equinox changes every twelve months due to the discrepancy between the astronomical year and the calendar year. Depending on the year, possible dates are March 19, 20 or 21. The popular name of this unique day is "Sonstsevorot" or "Verbonositsa". People have always believed that with the arrival of the spring equinox, nature began its renewal: the snow melted, the birds returned from warmer regions, the first spring thunder rumbled and the buds budded. Housewives traditionally baked pies and cookies in the form of larks on this spring day. The children were treated to these tasty "birds". Young people gathered in a heap, girls brought out freckles, and boys built a fire and jumped over it.
March 20 is the day of the vernal equinox, since ancient times many things had to be done during this period:
clean the house and be sure to get rid of all junk;
the willow, which has become dirty, will sweep the negative and ancient things out of the house;
whip a sick person with a willow (for a quick recovery), forcefully so that he does not get sick;
leave a few twigs of willow in the house to protect against evil spirits;
reconcile with relatives and friends;
lovers should meet on this day in order for love to be strong.
When is the vernal equinox and how is it celebrated in other countries. Many peoples of the world consider this March date to be the beginning of the new year. For example, in Japan, the vernal equinox is a national holiday. The Jews celebrate Pesach (the day when the people's exodus from Egypt is commemorated) on the holiday of the equinox. In China, on this day, a popular game is played - you need to keep the egg in a vertical position.
On these days, Ukrainians celebrated the "Forty Holy Martyrs", history mentions that our ancestors baked forty larks. These dough birds, which were traditionally tied in a knot, made eyes (black pepper was used), as well as wings, the appearance of the product was important - a bird in flight. This tradition was recorded by folklore collectors in Ukrainian villages. People sincerely believed that in this way they were honoring and calling for the return of spring. M. Maksymovych, M. Markevich, and P. Chubynsky recorded rites with a lark pie as children's entertainment as early as the 19th century.
Baked larks were stuck on sticks and distributed to children. The latter ran with them through the village, periodically standing on elevations - bumps, so that the "birds" were closer to the sky. Our ancestors believed that the lark brought spring on its wings, because it flew the earliest. The appearance of this bird was regarded as the awakening of nature after winter.
What not to do on the day of the vernal equinox and omens
You can't quarrel;
You can't get angry;
They do not leave dirt and mess in the house;
Do not save money for a "dark day";
Willows are not planted on this day.
Ukrainians have always lived in harmony with nature, so they constantly followed natural phenomena. If the temperature was below zero on that day, it was believed that there would be no more frost this year. If it is positive, then there may be frost.
Scientists found out that our ancestors counted the thaws on the river, they believed that if you count up to a hundred, you will not know grief in the spring. On the spring equinox, our ancestors observed the same customs as on any other holiday. Then it was impossible to spin, wash, and also do any physical work. The main signs on the day of the vernal equinox:
Storks in the sky on March 20 - spring will come late;
Dripping from the roof - the year will be fruitful;
The return of birds from the nest - will generously give birth to bread;
It got colder in the evening - you should wait for frost;
Frost on the day of the vernal equinox - the weather will be so cold for forty days.
Our ancestors greeted the arrival of spring with special warmth. On the day of the vernal equinox, you can find pictures with which you can congratulate relatives, friends or just acquaintances.
