The Autumnal Equinox
This morning around 6:20, Fall officially begins. This is the autumnal equinox, one of the two days each year when day and night are of equal length. To our agrarian ancestors the significance was far greater than today, and I believe I already have a post bemoaning our collective Forgetting. Were it not for people like Charlemagne, perhaps we would all still be celebrating Mabon. I did a little research this morning and there isn't much agreement among writers as to the true meaning and significance of Mabon. The one thing they all agree on is that it's a day of transition, when people turn to the harvest and begin a season of celebrations. Even today, we have more holidays and festivals in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer. I look forward, as always, to cooler weather, the Renaissance Festival, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. And it all starts today.
2 Comments:
On the Forgetting subject: Time evolves. Mabon was a Pagan celebration, and much of our country is Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist. While there are remnants everywhere from Pagan traditions, I don't see them anywhere as a significant religious force.
On the Renaissance Festival subject: SWE is selling tickets at a discount for $17. That means you'd have to come by during my office hours (or other times by appointment) to get them. :)
Oh, you're so cerebral! I always thought it officially began as soon as Walmart put out all the Christmas decorations. :-P
Nora
Post a Comment
<< Home