March 20 is the day of the vernal equinox: signs of what should and should not be done on a special day

The vernal equinox is the moment when both hemispheres of the Earth are perpendicular to the Sun, which is why day and night last approximately the same on the entire planet. In many cultures, this day was perceived as the beginning of a new life cycle, a time of magic and wish fulfillment. Read about what the equinox is and how it affects a person in the Izvestia article.

What is the vernal equinox?

Many people remember that the seasons and time of day change due to the rotation of the Earth around the Sun and its own axis. However, in fact, the main reason for having four seasons is not the rotation around the sun itself, but the tilt of the planet's axis of rotation relative to the plane of motion around the Sun (ecliptic). Because of it, the duration of illumination and the angle of incidence of sunlight in the Northern and Southern hemispheres gradually change throughout the year. Where there is more heat and light, spring and summer come, and where there are fewer, autumn and winter.

Twice a year, in March and September, the Earth's axis of rotation "aligns" and the sun's rays fall perpendicular to the equator. At this time, the length of day and night in both hemispheres is almost equal, as both parts of the planet receive the same amount of light. Such moments are called the equinox.

Since the Sun moves from south to north throughout the year, astronomical spring begins in March in the Northern Hemisphere, and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. After the equinox, daylight in the Northern Hemisphere will begin to increase, and in the Southern Hemisphere it will decrease until the summer solstice. In September, the seasons "change places."

Vernal Equinox Day: the time of onset in 2025

The vernal equinox always falls at the end of March, between the 19th and 21st. It occurs earlier in leap years, and later in non—leap years. In 2025, day and night will be equal on March 20.

It is widely believed that the equinox lasts for a day or at least during the entire daylight hours. However, for astronomers, it occurs at a strictly defined time, and it will be different for each time zone. In Moscow in 2025, the equinox will begin at 12:02.

How the vernal equinox was celebrated in Russia

In Russia, the vernal equinox was celebrated on a grand scale, because this day marked the beginning of a warm and well-fed season. Before the adoption of Christianity, the holiday in honor of the equality of day and night was called Komoeditsa. On this day, Yarila, the god of spring and fertility, was honored, who, according to popular beliefs, woke up from his winter sleep and began his journey through the sky.

Also on this day, the Bear God was worshipped (Komoeditsa comes from the word "kom", that is, "bear"), who was revered as the master of the forest and the protector of hunters. To appease him, they baked pancakes, and then laid them out on stumps in the forest with songs and jokes. The ancestors believed that if the offering pleased the deity, it would be safe in his domain in the spring.

March 20 — Vernal Equinox: traditions and features

Another traditional treat on Komoyeditsa was cookies in the shape of larks. They were baked early in the morning, and then distributed to children, so that they, playing with delicious birds, would invite spring. During the day, noisy festivities and fairs were held, and in the evening bonfires were lit and dances were performed. In some regions, they burned or buried an effigy of winter, seeing off the cold season.

After the Baptism of Rus, Komoeditsa transformed into Maslenitsa. Some traditions, such as eating pancakes and burning an effigy, have been preserved, but the meaning of the holiday has changed, becoming closer to Christian values.

Omens of the national holiday on March 20th

In Russia, various weather signs were associated with the vernal equinox. The ancestors believed that if frosts hit the holiday, the arrival of spring would be delayed for another 40 days. If it was warm that day, there was no danger of cold weather. A loud drip on March 20 foreshadowed prosperity and a rich harvest, and rain — an abundance of berries in summer. If there was fog in the morning, they were preparing for a wet summer, but a clear starry sky promised a dry season.

During the equinox, migratory birds were also noticed. If the larks were the first to return from the warmer climes, it means that spring has already come into its own. The arrival of finches, on the contrary, indicated that winter would not end soon. A flock of birds flying overhead was considered a good omen — they were perceived as harbingers of happiness and prosperity.

The ancestors believed that dreams seen on the night before the equinox were prophetic. They tried not to tell anyone about them, so as not to scare off luck or bring trouble.

What can I do on the day of the vernal equinox?

Since ancient times, the vernal equinox has been associated with the awakening of nature, emotional and physical renewal. Therefore, any actions aimed at cleansing the space and your inner world are especially welcome on this day.

On the eve of the equinox or on the morning of March 20, you can do a general cleaning of the house — wash the floors and windows, wipe the dust, disassemble the cabinets, throw out old, unused household items. It is believed that this will help to get rid of negativity and make room in life for new opportunities.

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It is desirable to restore order not only in the house, but also in the head. The vernal equinox is the most appropriate time to forgive offenses, analyze your thoughts and feelings, make to—do lists and make plans for the future. It will be useful to take a break from the daily hustle and take time to take care of yourself: meditate, go for a massage, soak in a warm bath with aromatic oils, etc.

According to popular beliefs, it is possible and even necessary to make wishes during the vernal equinox. The ancient Slavs believed that the moment of balance of day and night has a special magical power that helps fulfill the most cherished dreams. To do this, they performed various rituals, prayed, or simply imagined what they wanted in all its details, looking at the candle flame.

What not to do at the vernal equinox

The vernal equinox is a symbolic beginning of a new life, so you should not spend it in despondency and sadness. In Russia, it was believed that a negative start to the season could affect the entire next year, so the equinox was invariably greeted with cheerful festivities, songs and games. Also on this day, they tried not to quarrel with others, so that the conflict would not drag on for many months.

According to popular beliefs, on the equinox you can not lend money and refuse to help. The first can lead to a loss of well—being, and the second can lead to a series of misfortunes. Another ban was related to flower transplanting. It was believed that this would not benefit the plants during the holiday.

Astrological forecast for March 20: human impact

From the point of view of astrology, the vernal equinox is a time of transformation and spiritual growth. It is believed that when day and night are in balance, the inner world of a person also comes to harmony, and the powerful energy of the beginning of a new season gives strength and inspiration. Therefore, on March 20, astrologers recommend preparing for changes and not resisting them, because these changes will serve further development.

Despite the overall positive tone, the vernal equinox will take place in its own way for each zodiac sign. Aries is recommended to start planning on this day, especially if they want to succeed in any difficult task. Taurus stars are advised to sort out financial matters and make a list of necessary purchases: perhaps funds will soon appear for them.

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Cancers and Gemini should pay more attention to their loved ones on the day of the vernal equinox, and spend the holiday with family or friends. For Lviv, March 20 may be a good day to make a name for themselves in the professional or creative field. Virgo is recommended to pay attention to their health and habits, and Libra is recommended to establish communication with their significant other.

For Scorpios, the vernal equinox opens up opportunities for transformation and growth, as well as a way out of toxic relationships. For Sagittarians and Capricorns, it's time for self-development and professional growth, but it will take effort to achieve success. Aquarians will benefit from strengthening their friendships and business ties, while Pisces will benefit from devoting time to introspection and taking care of their mental health.

Earlier, Izvestia shared information about omens and fortune-telling on the day of the vernal equinox.