Have a Spring Celebration on Sunday
March 19th, 2011 | 
Author: Have a Spring Celebration on Sunday
The Spring Equinox represents more than just the first day of Spring. This is a time to celebrate the new. Another name for this day is Vernal Equinox, and is marked when the sun moves into Aries. This special day may occur on either the 20th or 21st of March every year.
The hours of sunlight and nighttime are almost equal on the first day of Spring. At this time, the earth begins moving the northern hemisphere to warmer weather. The southern hemisphere heads toward cooler weather.
Many cultural celebrations preserve customs dating back to medieval times where rituals of worshiping Mother Earth earmarked the first day of Spring. An example of one ritual is to plant beans and say a prayer once they have been placed in the ground.
While modern events take place around the world, equinox parties on this marker day still encompass a spiritual meaning. The focus of the getting together puts an emphasis on the beauty of spring, the earth, and emerging visibility of the sun.
Mostly celebrated in the Northern Hemispheres, the ancient observance of the first day of spring joins people together in gratitude and hopes for the future.
Other themes of celebration are couched in terms of new life, idealism, hope, optimism, innocence and purity. With Easter following in direct procession, the symbolism of the egg and fertility comes to the forefront.
During winter, death of living things is reinforced with the bareness of a snow covered earth. As newness emerges, plants are sprouting; crocus blooms pop up in the last vestiges of winter.
Astrologically, the equinox is considered to be the first day of the New Year.
The ancient Gregorian calendar starts on this day. Iranian and Bahai also begin the first day of the year at the time of the vernal equinox.
Astrological advice for the first day of the new season always recommends making an effort to have a peaceful day. Setting aside time for meditation and introspection has special significance on the first day of Spring.
Though intangible, the first day of Spring sets the atmosphere of life for the next three months.
“As above, so below” is an old saying that refers to the powerful symbolism of a seed germinating in the ground. If the first day of spring is dominated with ill feelings, they will remain or continue to grow, so be sure to make it a special day one way or another.
