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In this article, Dani explains equinox celebrations, and their effects on cultural identity and societies worldwide.
Celebrate the EQUINOX
Celebrate the EQUINOX
Dani Porterfield
Dani Porterfield
An equinox occurs when the Earth's axis is almost at an equal angle on all sides. This results in an equal amount of daylight and darkness at all of Earth's latitudes, which can mark the start of spring or fall. However, in the modern day, these events are rarely celebrated. Regardless, Equinoxes have always been typical but unique events that have fascinated cultural groups worldwide for generations, leading humans to host different celebrations. These observations are in honor of everything Mother Earth has to offer and celebrate cultural identity around the world.
Though many of the details of these cultures are buried in time, ancient Celtic and Pictish cultures of the early European Middle Ages considered the changing of seasons to be of huge significance. These events were completely woven into their personal beliefs, ways of life, and religions. Though we now have only a minimal understanding of their beliefs, it is understood that the equinox marked a time of transition and transformation both in the nature around them and their actions. The spring equinox served as a pivotal moment, symbolizing the return of vitality to the land, renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light. These beliefs were celebrated by feasting, communal gatherings, and bonfires-- traditions that have been upheld in the modern day.
Even though it may now be less frequent, people in regions all over the world continue to light bonfires and dance at local community spring equinox festivals. As stated by the Low Entropy Foundation, “Cultural identity and celebrations have become increasingly important parts of our lives. Celebrations are often a time for families and friends to get together, connect with our heritage, and strengthen our sense of cultural identity.” Small events like celebrations can impact a community in a multitude of ways. They can foster a sense of belonging and pride within a community and impart generational and cultural values through rituals, storytelling, and traditional practices unique to each culture. Celebrations are woven into historical and present-day cultures and demonstrate their importance in a time when society can seem so separate.
Isolation is a commonly addressed issue in the twentieth-century digital age, having profound implications for culture. As stated by the UCLA Human Technologies Website, “Technical innovations change the way our minds work…The advent of writing, the invention of the printing press, and even the creation of the clock have all influenced human thought.” This concept is impacting cultural production, consumption, and identity but, as shown, celebrations can help remedy that hole in human identity and contradict these exasperating issues. Celebrations profoundly connect humans. Celebrating the smaller accomplishments and events like the annual equinoxes might make all the more impact.
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