The vernal equinox is an important astronomical and astrological phenomenon for the Earth. Many peoples had special fortune-telling and rituals on the day of the vernal equinox, because this day was considered magical. On this day, our planet, revolving around its imaginary axis, is in relation to the Sun in such a position that the sun's rays, which bring heat and life to all living things, hit the equator at exactly an angle of 90 degrees. On this day, the Sun moves from the southern hemisphere to the northern, and the day becomes almost equal to the night. In 2016, the vernal equinox occurs on March 20 at 4:30 am. GMT (or at 7:30 Moscow time).
The vernal equinox, March 20 or 21, is the astronomical beginning of spring. Our ancestors all over Europe considered the onset of spring to be an important holiday, prepared for its arrival and cheerfully celebrated this important date. The ancient Slavs celebrated Maslenitsa on the spring equinox, which was formerly called Komoeditsa. Many rituals of meeting spring among the ancient Slavs, the same throughout Europe, now constitute the rituals of the Christian holiday of Easter.
On the Day of the vernal equinox, the New Year begins for many peoples and peoples of the Earth. The old Persian horoscope also originates from the vernal equinox.
On this day, light and darkness are divided equally. In ancient times, when there were no calendars, the spring was determined by the sun. It was believed that it was from this day that updates in nature began. The day of the vernal equinox was especially revered in the ancient Vedic Slavic faith. It was believed that on this day in the annual cycle, Spring, personifying the revival and rebirth of nature, replaces Winter.
Rites on the day of the vernal equinox
All the rituals of the spring equinox were aimed at glorifying and greeting the Sun revived after a long winter. The sun was perceived as the most dear guest, arranging a real celebration in his honor. As a symbol of heavenly Fire, bonfires were lit from the sun's rays. In order to recharge with solar energy, on this day, people jumped over such a bonfire of heavenly fire, burning everything bad and filling with health and strength.
In many countries, this day is considered magical, as it is the only day of the year when spring meets spring. Usually at this time they are guessing about the future. On this day, they greeted spring and solemnly burned a scarecrow of winter so that it took away all the diseases and negativity of the long winter and the entire previous year.
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