By Sabrina Fay
The autumnal equinox occurs when the Earth reaches the point in its orbit where nights will become longer than days, and takes place in late September. Most people start to feel fall has truly arrived when orange and red overtake green in the color of the leaves, and the artificial flavor of pumpkin spice begins to make itself known in coffee shops on every street corner. Yet not every culture marks or has marked the coming of autumn in the same way, and there are some very interesting traditions to be observed.
Navaratri
Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated over the course of nine days every autumn. It venerates the triumph of good over evil that occurred when the goddess Durga defeated a demon in a relentless nine day battle; during this period the Durga other deities like Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped as different forms of cosmic energy. Men and women dress up to go to their community's nightly feasts and dances during the festival; it is seen as an auspicious time for purchases or business ventures.
Part of a traditional Navaratri dance via APHerald
Mid-Autumn Festival
China's Mid-Autumn Festival falls usually on Autumn's first full moon, and so is sometimes referred to as the Moon Festival. After the Chinese New Year, this is China's largest festival; it originated from Ancient Chinese farmers wanting to give thanks to the moon and celebrate the harvest, and is now a very important part of Chinese culture. Festival customs include lighting lanterns, making offerings of moon cakes to the moon, as well as eating said moon cakes; dragon dances also take place, and some ethnic minorities, like Mongolians, have their own traditions.
Mid-Autumn Festival via China Daily
Michaelmas
Though much more popular many years ago, some English-speaking areas still celebrate the Catholic holiday Michaelmas, or the feast of St. Michael. This event takes place on September 29 and involves prayer and feasting, with the tradition being to prepare a stubble-goose for eating (goose that has been fed the on the stubble of the grains following the harvest), large loaves of bread, and special oatcakes known as St. Michael's bannocks.
Alban Elfed
Alban Elfed is the name given to the equinox by the ancient Irish Druids, a pagan people. Today, neo-Druids wishing to observe the equinox travel to Stonehenge to watch the sunrise (they also do this for the vernal equinox); they also wear traditional garb and recite chants. For the Druids, this is a time to give gratitude for a plentiful harvest and prepare for the coming winter.
Image via Daily Mail
Whether it's through goose-eating, moongazing, or pumpkin-picking, cultures all over the world understand autumn to be an important time of year. Through these traditions people get to reflect on the year so far and go into the new season with fresh eyes and the ability to make it a productive time in their lives. Will you do the same?