The Earth in Balance
The autumnal equinox occurs in the northern hemisphere this year (2013) this Sunday, September 22 and marks the first day of autumn. On this day, the hours of light and dark are equal as the Earth's axis is neither tilted away nor towards the Sun, but has both northern and southern hemispheres experiencing equal amounts of sunshine. Earth is in balance.
Soon, the darkness will overtake the light, as darkness falls earlier and earlier. The air will get crisper, leading us toward the cold of winter.
Many regard this day as a religious or natural holiday rooted in ancient harvest celebrations. I am drawn to celebrating such earth-based events, taking time to recognize the changing of the seasons, our connection to nature, the passing of time, where we have been, and our lives as they are right now. Having a child makes this pull all the more powerful for me.
Celebrating the Equinox
This year, our family will be celebrating the autumnal equinox with a simple lunch and a couple of easy, natural crafts.
Easy equinox lunch
The autumnal equinox is a time of harvest; some of the foods that are popular for celebrations on this day include apples, corn, breads, nuts, and various root vegetables.
To keep things easy, I am planning a simple lunch of homemade corn chowder with bacon and cheddar along with a loaf of life-changing no-knead yeast bread with herb butter. For dessert, apple walnut crisp with ice cream.
Natural autumnal crafts
I have two crafts in mind for this occasion, a very simple apple tealight candle votive and a Native American corn husk doll, which will be a perfect way to use some of the husks from the corn I'll be putting in the chowder.
How will you celebrate the autumnal equinox?
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