Autumnal equinox day in 2025: date, how long day and night last, rituals
In the early autumn of 2025, an important astronomical event will occur in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth — the autumnal equinox. At this point, day and night will almost equal in duration, symbolizing the final transition from summer to autumn. After that, the daylight hours will begin to decrease rapidly, which will provoke a change in the weather and natural cycles. For our ancestors, the equinox was a time of gratitude for the harvest, purification and preparation for winter. In Russia, lavish feasts were held and magical rituals were performed with water and mountain ash. For more information about the time of the equinox in 2025, folk rituals and omens for this time, see the Izvestia article.
Autumnal equinox in 2025: how long is a day?
The equinox is an astronomical phenomenon when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere. This happens twice a year — in spring (around March 20-21) and in autumn (September 22 or 23). At the equinox, the sun's rays fall parallel to the plane of the Earth's equator, so the Northern and Southern hemispheres of the Earth are illuminated approximately equally.
On the days of the equinoxes, the length of day and night is approximately equal and is about 12 hours. However, due to atmospheric refraction, the sun's rays are deflected, which makes daylight a little longer than night — about 8-11 minutes. Therefore, at the equinox, the day lasts a little more than half a day.
When and exactly at what time does the autumnal equinox occur in 2025
In 2025, the autumnal equinox is expected on September 22 at 21:19 Moscow time. At this moment, astronomical autumn will begin in the Northern Hemisphere.
After September 22, the Sun will gradually shift south, which is why the length of the day will decrease by about 4 minutes per day until it reaches its minimum value on December 21, the winter solstice. Then the reverse process will begin in nature: the sun will set later and rise earlier, the daylight will gradually lengthen until the spring equinox comes again at the end of March. During this period, day and night will become equal again, and a gradual warming will begin.
Why is the length of the day shortening and the length of the night increasing
After passing the equinox, the Sun gradually shifts in its visible position to the south relative to the horizon, as a result of which the maximum height of the solar disk decreases during the day. As a result, the daylight hours become shorter and the nights longer. The further away from the equator, the more noticeable this change is — at high latitudes, the difference between day and night is more pronounced.
Why does the weather change after the autumnal equinox?
After the day of the autumnal equinox, a gradual decrease in air temperature begins in the Northern Hemisphere, and the weather begins to change towards the cold season. The main reason for these changes is the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to the plane of its orbit, which causes the Sun to become lower above the horizon and illuminate the planet's surface at a sharper angle.
This leads to a decrease in the incoming amount of solar heat and lighting, which slows down the heating of the air and earth during the day. As a result, humidity increases and the nature of precipitation changes — there are more mists, rains and drizzle. Cold fronts also bring changes to the weather regime — cold weather, sudden temperature changes and increased winds.
In addition, during this period, there is a decrease in the number of hours of sunshine, which affects the biorhythms of plants and animals, triggers the processes of wilting and preparation for hibernation, and a person's energy level may decrease and fatigue may accumulate.
Rituals for the day of the autumnal equinox in Russian culture
The day of the autumn equinox in Russian culture has traditionally been considered a special time for completing harvest labors and preparing for winter. This day combined numerous rituals and rituals related to gratitude to the earth, preservation of health and bringing well-being to the home.
Our ancestors paid special attention to water — it was believed that during the week before and after the equinox, spring water had healing properties. The girls went to the springs and washed their faces with cold water, wanting to preserve their beauty and youth, and the elderly thus strengthened their health and got rid of diseases.
Rowan had a special significance in the rituals. Bunches of berries were hung in the hut and at the entrance to the house as a talisman against evil spirits, and compotes and jellies were made from them. The housewives baked special pies with cabbage, apples, cranberries and other gifts of autumn. Quickly raising the dough was considered a sign of future well-being, and treating guests promised joy and prosperity in the house.
The equinox was considered a cleaning time — during this period it was recommended to put the house in order, sweep out the litter and prepare for winter. Purification carried a spiritual meaning — liberation from all unnecessary things in order to let in the energy of new changes. Magical rituals and charms were also performed on this day — people asked for protection from the spirits of nature in order to preserve their health and well-being in the coming season.
Modern observations and rituals on the day of the autumnal equinox
Today, the day of the autumnal equinox has become an occasion for various rituals and spiritual practices reflecting the spirit of transition from bright summer to calm autumn. Many organize meetings and meditations in nature to meet the Sun and experience the balance of light and dark, which symbolizes the equinox. Lighting candles and creating herbariums help to attract warmth and positive energy during this transitional period.
Rituals using natural attributes such as fallen leaves, rowan berries and cones are popular. It is believed that their collection attracts abundance to the house and helps to determine plans for the next year. There is also a widespread tradition of cooking and sharing autumn fruits: apples, pumpkins, nuts, and berries.
People often conduct spiritual and energy practices on this day — they write intentions for the future, let go of something old and unnecessary, symbolically freeing themselves for new opportunities.
Interesting folk signs on September 22
Since ancient times, the day of the autumnal equinox has been accompanied by many folk traditions and beliefs related to the weather, harvest, health and family relations.
One of the main observations was the weather signs. It was believed that a lot of cobwebs on this day foreshadowed a dry and frosty winter, and the warm and sunny weather on September 22 promised a late onset of cold weather. If the cherry leaves have not yet fallen, autumn is expected to be mild and warm. Ice on this date often predicted a rainy autumn, and snowfall — a future crop failure. The number of rowan berries on the trees was associated with the severity of winter. It was believed that their abundance promised a snowy and cold winter.
On this day, it was customary to bake special pies and treat relatives and guests, which symbolized prosperity and unity. They tried to forgive old grievances in order to face the new era with a pure soul. Young unmarried girls used this day to attract love and find a betrothed, arranging screenings and festivities.
Cleansing and preparing for winter were expressed in putting things in order in the house and on the ground — it was believed that old things should be removed or burned so as not to attract trouble into the house. On the day of the autumnal equinox, it was also customary to visit cemeteries. This was considered an act of honoring the ancestors and at the same time purifying the living. After such places, they often went to the sauna to cleanse their body and soul of negativity.
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