Celebrating the Spring Equinox

The spring equinox is coming up on Saturday, March 20th and it’s a great time to celebrate our connection with the natural world. The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is the time of year when the length of the day is equal to the length of the night (almost exactly!). This balance of light and dark is a powerful moment in time to pause, breathe and acknowledge what is changing, both within and without. 

“The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. “ - alamanac.com 

The spring equinox is a time when many cultures celebrated and practiced rituals that honored the rhythms of nature and reminded themselves of their place within that web. From Ostara to Easter in the Western world, to the Mayan structures built for the spring equinox, the spring equinox is a symbol of both that balance and of the return to the light. 

After March 20th, the days will continue to get longer as we move towards the summer solstice, so it is literally the time of year that marks the beginning of more light than dark. It’s a time when we remember that life will return again, blossoming into flowers, buds, and the return of migratory birds. Animals begin their cycle of bringing new life. Trees pull up their sap and begin to leaf out. As we pause to reflect, nature is in full swing around us, almost changing faster than we can keep up with. 

For those looking for ideas on ways to celebrate and connect with the spring equinox, try any of the following, and be sure to brew up some cacao before you do. Cacao is a beautiful assistant in connecting with the natural world, as it brings a deeper sense of unity and love. We can more easily revel in the wonder of the natural world that quite literally sustains us! So don’t forget to read our Ceremonial Cacao Recipe and leave some time to enjoy your cacao in warming sunshine before trying the following.

Spring Equinox Celebration Ideas: 

• Start a nature journal and document every change you notice for 30 days. Include temperature, wind, birds, plants, smells & sounds. Take time to sit outside, alone, and observe with curiosity & wonder
• Plant seeds & grow a garden. What better way to honor the equinox than putting tiny little seeds into the earth, that will grow into food for you and your family. 
• Gather with your friends and family (or COVID pod). Share cacao, sit outside and tune in to the magic that is all around. Meditate, dance, share, make tea or go on a walk. 
• Take your cacao & journal to a beautiful spot outside. Take time to reflect on the inner seeds you are planting in the seasons to come. Write down what you intend to cultivate and what you’ll need to nourish those intentions and help them grow. 
• If you have kids, organize an outdoor scavenger hunt. You can hide eggs, gifts, nature objects, treats or, other fun things to find. At home, we often tell a story about the changing seasons, while another adult hides the items outside. Just watching the excitement from kids is its own gift and way to celebrate. 

The important thing is that it feels right to you and grows out of the particular place you live and the rituals, ceremonies, and practices that resonate with you. There is no one right way to express our love and appreciation for the earth and her changing seasons. What’s important is that it comes from the heart, and what better medicine to support that prayer than cacao!