March Equinox in Ireland ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of March Equinox in Ireland and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of March Equinox in Ireland and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The March equinox occurs every year on the 20th or 21st of March and marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator – the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator – from south to north. In Ireland, this means that the days and nights are approximately equal in length.
The word ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin for ‘equal night’, and it’s a fitting name as on the day of the equinox, day and night are almost exactly the same length all over the world. The March equinox is also known as the vernal equinox or spring equinox, as it signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
For pagans and Wiccans, the equinoxes are important turning points in the Wheel of the Year, marking the halfway point between the solstices. At the spring equinox, pagans celebrate the rebirth of the natural world after the dark days of winter. It’s a time for new beginnings, for setting intentions and planting seeds, both literal and metaphorical.
In Ireland, the arrival of spring is traditionally marked by the festival of Imbolc on February 1. This is a pagan festival that celebrates the goddess Brigid, who is associated with fire, fertility and healing. Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, as candles are often lit in honor of Brigid on this day.
So, the March equinox is a time of balance, when day and night are in harmony. It’s a time to reflect on the past and set our sights on the future. It’s a time to celebrate the natural world and all the possibilities that spring brings.