Spring Equinox – March 20

The Spring Equinox refers to the moment in the year where the day and the night are equally long. From an astronomical point of view, it is the first day of spring. Many cultures around the world celebrate this moment since ancient times. The root of the word ‘equinox’ comes from Latin and means ‘equal night’. Usually, the Spring Equinox is on March 20 or 21 but this year is a bit more special. 

Spring Equinox 2021

Depending on where you are in the world, this year you will be celebrating the first day of spring unusually early. For people living in the Southern hemisphere of the world, spring comes on March 20, whereas for those living in the Northern hemisphere spring arrives on March 21. While many celebrate the entire day of the equinox, the phenomenon itself only lasts a couple of hours. The hours when the sun covers the Equator are the equinox, the moment when night and day have the same lengths. 

Why is Spring early? 

Last time spring arrived on March 19 was in 1896, 124 years ago. The ways in which people calculate the date of the equinox relies on how days and hours are numbered in the Gregorian Calendar. A rule of thumb is that the equinox comes earlier by 18 hours and 11 minutes each Leap year versus the prior year. This also means that in 2096, the equinox will come early on March 19 for Europe, Africa and part of Asia.

Whatever you will be doing on the first day of spring this year we hope it will find you well and ready for a new season!

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