September 22

Astronomically, the equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night. While the precise timing varies each year, September 22 can represent the earliest date for the autumnal equinox up north and the vernal equinox down south. In Japan, this date is observed as Autumnal Equinox Day, a national holiday that honors ancestors and encourages visits to family graves. Neopagan communities celebrate Mabon in the Northern Hemisphere and Ostara in the Southern Hemisphere as part of the Wheel of the Year festivals, marking seasonal transitions with rituals and feasts. In Latvia, the harvest festival Miķeļi combines folk traditions, music, and community gatherings to give thanks for the year's bounty. Across cultures, this equinox date inspires reflection on balance, renewal, and the rhythms of nature. The convergence of science, culture, and spirituality makes September 22 a day of both observance and wonder.