Equinoxes only occur twice a year, so why not mark the occasion with an equinox celebration?
About the Equinoxes
Winter announces its arrival in the form of the winter solstice. Summer does the same. Fall and spring do things a little differently and announce their arrival with equinoxes.
The Spring Equinox
Also referred to as the vernal equinox, the spring equinox occurs when the sun moves into Aries and occurs around the 20th or 21st of March every year. On the day of the spring equinox, the hours of sunlight are just about equal to the hours of night. The spring equinox marks the day when the earth begins its journey in the northern hemisphere toward warmer weather and the southern hemisphere moves toward the colder months.
The Fall Equinox
Also referred to as the autumnal equinox, it occurs around the 23rd of September every year. Just as with the spring equinox, day and night are relatively equal. The fall equinox ushers in colder weather in the northern hemisphere and warmer weather in the southern hemisphere.
Spring Equinox Celebration Ideas
The spring equinox is a time of celebration and rebirth. The landscape begins to turn green, the cold breezes turn warm and people become more active, awakening from their winter hibernation. What better reason to celebrate?
Food Ideas
Spring is a time when flowers bloom and spring fruits are abundant. Consider a few of these light, spring-like dishes for your spring equinox party:
- Fruit Salsa - Serve this light and tasty treat with cinnamon tortilla chips.
- Fresh fruit smoothies - Everyone loves smoothies.
- Fire up the grill - Even if it is a little chilly outside (those living in cold weather climates never let this stop them), fire up the grill and throw on some chicken or seafood skewers loaded with fresh vegetables such as asparagus and snap peas and a few delicious fruits such as pineapple.
- Sangria - Nothing says spring like a refreshing glass of sangria.
Decorations
You don't have to go with all pastels to decorate for your spring equinox celebration. Just look outside for a little inspiration - the bright greens of the new leaves, the rich purples of the spring crocus, the pretty yellows of the daffodils and all the colors of the bountiful tulips that bloom in early spring. Decorate your tables with vases of fresh flowers.
Fall Equinox Celebration Ideas
The fall equinox ushers in colder weather, so plan a warm and cozy party for your guests.
Food Ideas
Go with the comfort foods of the fall:
- Roasted squash soup - Use butternut or acorn squash as the base of your soup to get the best sweet and savory flavor balance.
- Apple tarts - Apples are a fall equinox celebration staple. Think mini apple pies, torts or turnovers. Try a simple roasted apple recipe for something a little different.
- Wine - Wine is a must-have for the fall equinox celebration because it is considered a symbol of ancient fall equinox celebrations.
Decorations
Again, look outside for inspiration. The turning of the leaves from green to golds, burgundies and reds is stunning in the fall. Decorate your table with burgundy tablecloths with centerpieces that contain plants flourishing in the fall like marigolds and chrysanthemums.
Creating New Traditions
Old traditions are fantastic, no doubt, but what's wrong with creating a few new traditions? Having a spring equinox celebration is the perfect way to wake your friends and family out of the winter doldrums, which is drastically needed after a long, cold winter.
As for fall, it's something to celebrate, too. It means warm nights by the fire or cuddling up on the couch and listening to the wind howl outside. It's also a great time to reflect and be thankful for the people in your life. Thanksgiving, after all, shouldn't be delegated to only Thanksgiving day.
Whether you decide to have a small get-together or a large gathering, fall and spring equinox celebrations are a great excuse to gather all your loved ones in one place and simply enjoy their company.
