The vernal equinox is today considered one of the most interesting and unique natural phenomena.It falls at the end of March and 2014 will mark the 20th day.But Equinox - is not only astronomical phenomenon, but also an important period of the year in the culture of different peoples.Since ancient times, this day celebrated the coming of spring.
Spring equinox: what is it?
As already mentioned, the equinox is connected with the motion of the Earth around its axis and the sun.On this day, the planet passes so that the sun's rays fall directly on the equator.This is the point of the vernal equinox.Interestingly, the sun 12:00 visible above the horizon and about the same time its rays are hidden.This means that the equinox is characterized by virtually equal length of day and night.
vernal equinox and its traditions
This day was of great importance for different people.After all, in those days, when the calendar was not there, it is the end of March is considered the beginning of spring.People believed that, from this point on, the winter loses its rights, the earth is slowly reviving, there are buds on the trees and the sky, you can see the first lightning and thunder.
And to this day the people of Mexico carried out the celebration, accompanied by prayers and ritual dances.
But every nation has its own traditions, according to which the need to celebrate the arrival of spring.And one of these holidays is all famous Carnival.Yes, now Shrove Tuesday is celebrated in other time of year because of the Christian Lent.But the original date coincides with the day of the vernal equinox.
Shrovetide originally was the god of fertility and of winter.Ancient Slavs in this period of the year preparing very carefully, because that day marked the departure of winter pores and rebirth of the sun god Yarila.Of course, an essential attribute of the holiday were the bonfires, the deity who helped to gain strength.Some villages have even been made to set fire to the wheel and roll them on the road - it symbolized the burning sun disk.
In addition, it was decided to create a scarecrow from straw.His trick out in women's clothes, and the arm was fixed pan.And during the celebration of the Pancake revered songs were for them from house to house, riding in a sleigh.By the end of the holiday stuffed or burned, or buried in the ground - winter left.
vernal equinox in Japan
This day is celebrated in Japan, but here he has a completely different meaning.The celebration is confined to the ancient Buddhist tradition Higan.
Holidays begin a little earlier than the vernal equinox - about three days before the attack and last for three days after.For the inhabitants of the country it is a very important time of the year when everyone comes to worship and pray at the graves of their ancestors.
great importance here is the training.Women thoroughly clean the house.And you must bring order in a tomb relatives or to their graves.A 20 - 21 March, the members of the family visit deceased relatives, make the necessary rituals, visiting temples.
Another important tradition - a gala dinner.But on the table should be only vegetarian dishes, according to ancient Buddhist laws.
vernal equinox and its importance for Christianity
Of course, such a holiday has pagan roots.But this day was the starting point for the celebration of Easter.Such a law was adopted in the year 325 at the Council of Nicaea, when Christian countries have adopted the Julian calendar.And Mardi Gras is an important holiday, despite some inconsistency in time.
Although we do not usually celebrate this day, but the beginning of spring is felt throughout.This is a great day when you can forget about the dark, cold and long winter evenings and begin to revive life with nature.
