Autumn Equinox, known as "Qiū Fēn" in Chinese, is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian lunar calendar. It usually falls on September 22 or 23 in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, the sun is nearly directly over the equator, resulting in almost equal day and night lengths worldwide. The Autumn Equinox marks the midpoint of autumn, with the weather becoming cooler and more temperate, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. It's also a peak time for the autumn harvest.
In Chinese culture, the Autumn Equinox holds significant importance. It is seen as a symbol of balance and harmony due to the equal division of day and night. In ancient agrarian societies, it was a crucial time for the harvest of crops. Many regions held harvest festivals during this period to express gratitude to nature.
The Autumn Equinox is also associated with moon worship. Traditionally, people believed that the moon was at its brightest and roundest on the night of the Autumn Equinox, leading to rituals of moon worship and prayers for a bountiful harvest and family reunion.
Today, the Autumn Equinox remains an important time, celebrated with activities like enjoying seasonal foods and appreciating the beauty of autumn.
