Three Celebrations of the Spring Equinox, Past and Present
On March 20th, we will experience a special event in the spring equinox. Happening only twice a year, the equinox is the time when the sun is directly above the equator.
As a result, we get a day of complete balance; where day and night are equal in length. While, on the surface, this may seem like a normal astronomical event, the cultural, historical, and symbolic meanings present with the day are varied and fascinating. We want to share with you some different ways, past and present, that the spring equinox is celebrated by different cultures and beliefs, so we can all appreciate how this entry into a new season runs deeper than just simple symmetry.
The Holly King and Oak King (Wiccan/Pagan)
Many often view a new season as a time to shrug off the stresses and challenges of the past, and take on what’s to come with a renewed sense of purpose. That continuous pattern of struggle and revival throughout the year is represented well within Wiccan and Pagan cultures in the form of the Holly King and Oak King. The two are avatars of winter and summer, respectively, and participate in a continuous battle that mirrors the seasonal calendar. The Oak King is in his peak of power in the middle of summer, only to be overtaken by the Holly King in winter. The spring equinox marks the period when the Oak King’s power is regained as the sun waxes, preparing to overtake his adversary yet again in Summer.
This battle between the two deities is echoed both by the solar opposites of night and day, and by the regeneration of crops. Much like the Oak King finds himself reinvigorated after a harsh defeat, we find ourselves using Spring as the time to shake off the doldrums of winter, preparing our bodies and minds for the pleasures of Summer.
Hilaria (Ancient Rome)
One of the best ways to mark the start of a new transition is with a celebration. The Spring Equinox is no exception, dating all the way back to Ancient Rome and the Hilaria. The Hilaria were a series of multi-day festivals centered around the March Equinox in order to honor Cybele, the mother of Gods. The multiple days showed Romans taking upon certain acts to relate to the myth of Cybele; they would first abstain from rich and unclean food, as it was “hostile to the soul”. Next would come cutting of trees and fasting, as if “cutting off the further process of generation”. They would then feed on milk, to symbolize being reborn. Finally, would come rejoicing and garlands, to show a return to the Gods.
The theme of balance continued in the proceedings, both mourning and toasting Cybele. The former involved a solemn procession, wherein Romans would carry a statue of Cybele behind a gathering of costly items belonging to the wealthy. The latter then involved a series of games and masquerade, expressing the joy that Cybele had brought them.
Shunbun no Hi (Japan)
In 1948, the Vernal Equinox, or Shunbun no Hi, became a national holiday in Japan. It started as a government supported event related to Shintoism, in which public worship at shrines and rites to honor fallen soldiers were encouraged. Over time, however, government ties were separated and Shunbun no Hi became part of a seven day festival known as Haru no Higan, a time for citizens to celebrate the spirits. It was originally a time for Japanese citizens to visit the graves of loved ones, and renew their lives with activities such as cleaning their home, or starting a new hobby.
It is now a national holiday in Japan, where people are given the day off, and many visit their hometowns in order to spend time with their families. The visiting of gravesites is still commonplace, as some will go to clear the stones of debris and leave offerings of food or fresh flowers to those departed. The spiritual element was and remains present throughout, as farmers in particular view the day as a time to pray for the growth of their crops in the upcoming season.
How will you be celebrating the Spring Equinox? Will you be finding ways to reinvent yourself and take the new season by storm? Or will you use some self-care to reflect on what you’ve gone through over the past few months, and how it has made you stronger?