HONORING THE EQUINOX Spring celebrations around the world.

By Havana Hakala

An equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator, heading northward or southward, occuring in March for the northern hemisphere and again in September for the southern hemisphere. This year’s spring equinox takes place on March 20, at 2:24 pm Pacific Time.

Celebrating the spring equinox has roots in Persian and Iranian countries, as far back as three thousand years ago, but is typically linked to the religion of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest religions in Iran. The festival of Nowruz, meaning “new day” or “New Year,” is the start of the Iranian calendar and lasts twenty-four hours. Nowruz attendees are entranced with dancers in vibrant skirts and shawls, featuring intricately-painted eggs for sale, and raging bonfires late into the night.

The spring equinox is also recognized by Wiccans and Pagans, under the pseud- onym Ostara. Ostara represents fertility and restarting the agricultural cycle, which is reiterated in the significance of seeds and hares around the holiday. In old tales, the Germanic goddess Ostara turned a bird into a hare, who then thanked her by laying colorful eggs for her festival of fertili ty. Typically, modern Wiccans and Pagans spend time outdoors and meditate or sow seeds to welcome the change in season.

India also partakes in cel ebrating Spring with Holi, though on March 8. Holi rep resents the Hindu folktale of Krish na and Radha, two Hindu gods. Krishna, known for his blue skin, fell in love with Radha, but worried their difference in skin tone would upset her. When seeking advice on the situation, his mother told him to ask Radha to paint his face any color she want ed. This act made Krishna less insecure of his skin and the

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The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah pair were married. Holi colors symbolizes their love. The holiday includes a festival of brightly colored dye powder, though white is not excluded; Dye-throwers typically dress in all white to commemorate peace and truth.

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The Spring equinox is a time of change and color, and the tradition of celebrating the new season has been continued for thousands of years–commemorate the change by appreciating nature’s beauty.