The vernal equinox, which will take place on March 20, 2025, is an important moment in the calendar of many peoples of the world. This day symbolizes the balance between light and darkness, is a moment of renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life cycle, writes IZ with reference to the material of TSN. In different cultures, this holiday is accompanied by traditions and rituals, which are often associated with the cult of the Sun, fertility and harmony. Let's look at how the vernal equinox is celebrated in different parts of the world.
Content
- Ukraine and Slavic traditions
- Persia and Central Asian countries
- Japan
- Mexico and the Maya
- India
- Great Britain – Stonehenge and Druidic rites
- Common traditions of the spring equinox
Ukraine and Slavic traditions
In Ukraine, as in other Slavic peoples, the spring equinox was an important holiday. In ancient times, this holiday was celebrated through the rite of “Larks”. People baked cookies in the shape of birds, which symbolized the call of spring. It was believed that on this day it was necessary to clean homes, light candles, and burn old things to cleanse energy. It was a time to get rid of everything old and prepare space for a new beginning.
Persia and Central Asian countries
In Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other countries of Central Asia, the vernal equinox is celebrated as Nowruz – the new year according to the solar calendar. This day is a symbol of the revival of nature and the beginning of a new life cycle. People decorate their homes, prepare traditional dishes, in particular, they put “haft-sin” on the festive table – seven symbolic objects that have their own meaning. One of the popular rituals is jumping over fire, which is considered a cleansing from adversity and the beginning of a new life.
Japan
In Japan, the vernal equinox is part of the Buddhist festival of Higan. On this day, the Japanese visit temples and cemeteries to honor their ancestors. It is believed that on the equinox, the world of the living and the world of spirits become closer, so it is important to remember those who have passed away. In addition, the Japanese enjoy nature, contemplating the first blossoms of the sakura, which are a symbol of spring rebirth.
Mexico and the Maya
In Mexico, the vernal equinox is celebrated with particular pomp at the Kukulkan pyramid in Chichen Itza. Thousands of people gather here to watch the illusion of a snake “descending” the pyramid’s steps. This symbolizes the arrival of light and renewal. Many people perform meditations and solar rituals to help them tune in to harmony with nature.
India
The vernal equinox in India often coincides with the Holi festival, which is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. People sprinkle each other with colored powders, which symbolizes purification and joy. Also on this day, Indians perform rituals of worshiping the Sun. One of the traditional ways to celebrate the vernal equinox is to perform Surya Namaskar in yoga, which helps to tune in to positive energy.
Great Britain – Stonehenge and Druidic rites
In the UK, the vernal equinox is celebrated at Stonehenge, where modern-day Druids and Pagans gather to perform ancient rituals, meditate, and hold ceremonies to balance the energies of nature. The holiday symbolizes the return of the Sun and is an important moment for those who follow astronomical events and natural cycles.
Common traditions of the spring equinox
Regardless of the country, many cultures have similar rituals and traditions associated with the vernal equinox:
• Cleaning your home – it is important to tidy up, throw away unnecessary things, and refresh the space.
• Lighting a fire or candles is a symbolic ritual to attract light and energy.
• Meditations and intentions – this day is considered ideal for new beginnings.
• Honoring nature – walking, planting plants, or being in contact with the earth.
The vernal equinox is a mystical moment of balance, when day and night are equal and the energy of the world is renewed, giving us a chance to tune into harmony and growth.
As a reminder, we previously wrote about Venus retrograde in 2025.