Guest Author - Lisa Shea

The spring solstice or vernal equinox is the day in spring when daytime and nightime are of equal length. This tends to happen around March 21st of each year.

This special day has been celebrated by mankind for thousands of years. Even the earliest civilizations kept track of the seasons and stars, to help plan their planting and gathering schedules. For many different societies, the spring solstice marked the end of winter and the approach of spring, fertility, and fresh food.

Even as Christianity moved into the world and took over many traditional practices, it absorbed the spring fertility celebrations into the new Easter practices. For example, the actual date that Easter is celebrated each year is based on the vernal equinox. Starting with the vernal equinox, you wait for the first full moon. The next Sunday after that is when Easter is held.

Traditional symbols of the spring equinox include signs of fertility - fresh flowers, rabbits, chickens, eggs, and the color green.

Be sure to look into ways to celebrate the spring solstice, based on your beliefs and interests!