Today is September 22, 2024, the 20th day of the eighth lunar month. We welcome the 16th solar term among the 24 solar terms – the autumnal equinox. The autumnal equinox, as the midpoint of autumn, not only marks the equal distribution of day and night time, but also indicates a gradual decrease in temperature and a shift from hot to cool weather.
Autumnal Equinox means that autumn is halfway through, when the sun is almost directly shining on the equator of the Earth, and day and night are equally long around the world. After the autumnal equinox, the days are short and the nights are long in various parts of the northern hemisphere, while the days are long and the nights are short in various parts of the southern hemisphere. On this day, the sun was almost directly shining on the equator, and there was no polar day or night phenomenon worldwide. During the autumnal equinox season, most parts of China have entered a cool autumn season. The cold air moving southward meets the gradually decaying warm and humid air, resulting in repeated precipitation and temperature drops. As the ancient saying goes, ‘One autumn rain, one cold’ vividly depicts the climatic characteristics of the autumnal equinox season.
On the day of the autumnal equinox, there are many traditional customs and activities among the people. For example, many places hold a “vertical egg” game, where people carefully select a smooth and symmetrical fresh egg and gently stand it up on the table. Although there are many failures, there are also many successes. This game symbolizes the miracle of life and the longing for a better life. In addition, there are customs such as eating autumn vegetables, sending autumn cattle pictures, and sticking sparrow’s beak, all of which embody people’s expectations for a bountiful harvest and pursuit of a better life.
At this warm moment, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to you: May you be healthy, safe every year, and always maintain good health in this gradually cool autumn. May your life be like the fruits of autumn, full and sweet, and every tomorrow more brilliant than today.
The autumnal equinox is not only a symbol of harvest, but also a moment of gratitude and sharing. Let us not only reap the gifts of nature in this season, but also find inner peace and satisfaction. At the same time, let us not forget to pass on this joy and warmth to everyone around us, and work together to create a harmonious and beautiful social environment.
Once again, I wish you all the best and happiness during this autumnal equinox season!
