The autumn equinox was a few days ago, and so began by favorite series of days * cue leaves falling in the background. * To completely embrace a stereotype, I look forward to this day months in advance, ready to cuddle up with a pumpkin-spice-something and an astrology book (I’m really trying to learn).
Just so we’re all up to speed here; there are two days during the year where the daylight and the darkness are equal in length, and they are the spring and autumn equinox (literally translated, means equal night.) The autumn equinox, in particular, awakens our animal instinct to hunker down, stock up on hearty soups and get cozy for the new few months. Historically, it caused a lot of stress for humanity of course—survival depended on whether or not warm shelter and food would be found. But with the rise of agriculture, we didn’t need to worry so much if we would make it through the winter, and thus the fall equinox became a cause for celebration of harvest and honoring the change in the seasons.
In ancient Greece, it was believed that the September equinox marked the day the goddess Persephone returned to the underworld. In China, the successful harvest of wheat and rice was celebrated on the equinox by making moon offerings. In Great Britain, an extravagant harvest festival was annually thrown, and modern paganism celebrates Mabon—the apprearance of the Welsh god of harvest—by honoring balance between the light + dark.
Across cultures and centuries, the beginning of the autumn symbolizes the acceptance of the darkness, both within and without, and gratitude for harvest and community. Some recommended ways to celebrate in your own home (besides turning all your decor orange) include:
writing a gratitude list
pouring a tall glass of a dry red wine
meditation
reading/telling stories of death and rebirth
hosting a party honoring the light
making comfort food (all the bread, all the mac n cheese)
getting out and appreciating the art show that mother nature is hosting
The change of season is the perfect time to turn inward and reflect as we begin to slow down and hole up for the winter. My hope is that we’re all as excited as I am for the dropping of degrees and the rise of the coziness. If you’re not there yet, cinnamon candles and oversized flannels really help, I swear.
Stay warm!
Xx, Anna