Vernal Equinox signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere. An equinox happens twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. The sun crosses directly the celestial equator—the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator—from south to north. One has the chance to see the sun passing directly overhead, if standing on the equator. From this day on, the direct solar radiation moves north, and the daytime in Northern Hemisphere becomes longer than the nighttime.
Temperatures keep rising and rainfall keeps increasing, marking the point that the cold winter completely gives way to spring. With plants sprouting, flowers blooming, light breezes ruffling water surfaces, this is the best time for the cultivation of crops and hiking in the countryside when people delightedly welcome the coming of spring and embrace the warmth.
People celebrate Vernal Equinox around the world in different ways as it marks a time of transition and a brand new beginning. There is an old saying which goes “Vernal Equinox is the best time to eat spring vegetables”. People in China make soup with spring vegetables and fish fillets, naming the dish “spring soup”. It is also alleged that vernal equinox is the only day when eggs can be balanced on end. As egg is the symbol of fortune, fertility and prosperity, some people try egg balancing on vernal equinox hoping to boost their luck and fortune.
Spring
William Blake
Sound the flute!
Now it's mute!
Bird's delight,
Day and night,
Nightingale,
In the dale,
Lark in sky,--
Merrily,
Merrily merrily, to welcome in the year.
Little boy,
Full of joy;
Little girl,
Sweet and small;
Cock does crow,
So do you;
Merry voice,
Infant noise;
Merrily, merrily, to welcome in the year.
Little lamb,
Here I am;
Come and lick
My white neck;
Let me pull
Your soft wool;
Let me kiss
Your soft face;
Merrily, merrily, to welcome in the year.
