March 20 — vernal equinox: signs and traditions of an ancient holiday
The equinox, with which the astronomical spring comes, begins in 2025 on March 20. From this date, the day will gradually become longer than the night. There are many customs and traditions associated with this event among the people — Izvestia tells about them in its material.
What is the date of the Vernal Equinox in 2025?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the equinox will occur on March 20 at 12:02 Moscow time. Daylight and night on this date will last for 12 hours each. Then the night time will gradually decrease, and the daytime hours will increase.
The global reference point differs from Moscow time. GMT, the vernal equinox will occur at 09:02.
In many countries and cultures, the celebration of the equinox has been preserved as an event of great energy. There are many rituals and signs associated with it.
How to make wishes on the Day of the vernal Equinox
Many beliefs related to the vernal equinox have come down from paganism to our days. The night was considered the ideal time to perform magical rituals, and the day was suitable for new decisions and the beginning of something new. You need to try to get rid of everything that makes the transition to spring difficult, whether it's trash in the house or bad habits, and recharge your batteries for new achievements.
The astronomical spring is greeted with jubilation by the people, and sowing operations are gradually beginning in the fields. A festive table is served in the houses, welcoming the spring. However, Orthodox Christians have Lent dates on this day, so the dishes should not be meat or fish.
On the day of the vernal equinox, Iran, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries celebrate Nowruz (Nauryz), a holiday of renewal and the arrival of spring. The date of Orthodox Easter also depends on the day of the vernal equinox.
Since ancient times, the equinox was considered the ideal time to make a wish. You can do this in any convenient way: during prayer, meditation, before going to bed, or immediately after waking up.
In recent years, the three-candle ceremony has been popular. To spend it, you need to retire to a dark room, light candles and, looking at the flame, imagine what you want in colors. You can imagine how desires fly into the sky in the form of multicolored spheres.
Another version of this rite involves writing wishes on pieces of paper. The idea should be formulated briefly and clearly in order to avoid misinterpretation. Then you need to burn the pieces of paper and scatter the ashes in the wind or bury it in the ground with seeds.
What can and cannot be done today, March 20th
By the day of the vernal equinox, it is supposed to clean the house of unnecessary things, throw out all the garbage and make room for something new. You need to be prepared for positive changes inside — to forgive old grievances, get rid of prejudices, and fight addictions.
At the same time, on the day of the vernal equinox, it is impossible:
- to commit bad deeds — evil can return like a boomerang and haunt a person all year round;
- thinking about the bad and feeling sad — otherwise you can create an unfavorable mood for the coming months.;
- to transplant flowers — it is believed that the plants will not take root;
- to refuse to help and not to welcome guests — then the inhospitality will bear fruit.
March 20th holiday: omens
The transition from winter to spring has always been associated with many weather signs. People are used to paying attention to precipitation, the behavior of animals and birds.
Thus, larks are considered symbols of spring, and the arrival of these birds is a harbinger of warm days. At the same time, to see finches on the branches of trees is a sign of cold weather.
Drops and melting icicles portend a sunny summer and a rich harvest. And if the weather is cold and cloudy, it means that the frosts have not passed yet.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Slavic New Year called Ovsen Maly.
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