Get out your pumpkin spice latte, y’all. It’s finally fall. And it is glorious. Living in the south, the heat and humidity usually hang around until late into October or sometimes even November. The cool days we’ve been experiencing lately have been divine and are—in my opinion—a mercy. One that I didn’t expect from 2020.
Let’s celebrate, shall we? Raise your mugs and let’s toast… to cooler, cozier, and calmer days.
What is the Autumnal (Fall) Equinox?
According to an article on History.com, the fall equinox occurs between the September 21 and September 24. In the North Hemisphere, the September equinox corresponds with the fall harvest. Several ancient harvest celebrations take location on or around the fall equinox.
Equinox comes from the Latin words “aequi,” which indicates equal, and also “nox,” or night. On the equinox, night and day are almost perfectly divided—12 hours each. But that really depends on where you live in the world. As the Earth orbits the sunlight, it is slanted at an angle. For half the year, the North Pole is tilted somewhat towards the sun, bringing longer days to the North Hemisphere, while the South Pole is slanted somewhat farther from the sunlight, bringing fewer hours of sunshine to the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the September equinox notes the initial day of autumn.Â
CUSTOMS AND RITUALS FALL EQUINOX
Cultures from all over the world celebrate the fall with festivals. The Greeks once celebrated the return to the underworld of Persephone to her husband Hades. The Chinese have the Harvest Moon festival. And Japanese Buddhists celebrate Higan, where they pay respect to their ancestors.
NORTHERN LIGHTS​
In the far north, the autumnal equinox signals peak watching of the aurora borealis or northern lights. The celestial display of wonderfully colored lights happens when bits from the sunlight strike atoms in Earth’s ambiance, causing them to illuminate. This light displays peak around the fall and also spring, or fresh, equinox. That’s because disturbances in Earth’s atmosphere– called geomagnetic storms– are greatest at these times.
WHY WE LOVE FALL
Autumn is a magical season for many of us, and if you’re listening to this episode, I venture to say it is to you, too. There’s something wonderful and inspiring about the falling of leaves and the crunch of them under your feet. The warm colors remind us of times spent around the hearth and of spiced pies and hot drinks. It’s a time of storytelling—when we’re inside more and enjoy reading, watching a movie with our families, or listening to our favorite podcasts.
It’s a time of letting go. In 2020, there are a lot of things we all want to let go of… This autumn, perhaps more than ever, we need to take nature’s cue and drop all the baggage and worries we’ve been carrying. It’s time to remind ourselves what we love and why we love it. Let’s fall into the hope of a new year, believing that 2021 will bring something better. That’s my sincere prayer.
And as we fall back in our Daylight Savings Time, our worlds grow a little darker. But light always shines brightest in the dark.
My favorite things about this season is the crackle of a fire in the fireplace and the cool nights we spend camping in the woods. It’s the campfire stories, the promise of spooks in the shadows, and the time spent creating my own tales. For whatever reason, fall has historically been my most productive season. I’ve learned to lean into that over the years and embrace the time as one of creative exploration, knowing that for everything, there is a season. And this one is mine. Is it yours, too?
THE SCIENCE BEHIND OUR LOVE OF FALL
But is there any science behind our love of autumn?
The love of fall is based on a vibrant concept of fond memories and coziness—and also emotionally, there are some fascinating facts that might describe why we’re so enamored with all things fall.
Amy Jane Griffiths, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., a licensed psychologist and professor at Chapman University and Kathryn Roecklein, Ph.D., at the College of Pittsburgh’s Department of Psychology explained in a Bustle article that many people may associate the fall with joyful experiences—time with family, holidays, comfort food, back-to-school season to name a few. And because of the coronavirus outbreak this year, people may be longing for those comforting, joyful experiences now more than ever. The article goes on to mention that cooler temperatures usually mean time spent closer to others and encourage other cozy activities like feel-good movie watching or baking treats.
​But of course, fall isn’t for everyone. The onset of the cooler season reminds some people who suffer from SAD, seasonal affective disorder, that winter is coming. Those who suffer from depression during the cooler, darker months likely don’t feel the same about fall as others.
Also, some people establish preferences for certain seasons in childhood while others of us are affected emotionally by the seasons. But this year likely feels different for us all. After months of feeling separated from life, I venture to say we’re all looking forward to a change—a seasonal shift—and a promise of something new and hopefully better.
FALL CHALLENGE
​This week, I challenge you to celebrate the coming of fall by reading/watching a spooky story or movie, buying a pumpkin for decoration, snag yourself a pumpkin spiced latte (I’ve been enjoying Dunkin Donuts pumpkin spice flavored coffee), or getting a candle to hygge your space.
Tis the season to let go and embrace the shadows. No more fear. No more worry. Find your escape and get your cozy on, my friend.
