First day of spring 2023, When is it? All You Need to Know
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Mar 20, 2023
First Day of spring 2023
On March 20th, 2023 at 5:24 P.M. EDT, the March equinox will occur, marking the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The date of the equinox shifts every year, so it's no longer accurate to say that it only occurs on March 21st. Despite the traditional celebration of the first day of spring on March 21st, astronomers and calendar manufacturers now consider March 20th as the official start of the season in all North American time zones. In fact, in 2020, spring began on March 19th, making it the earliest first day of spring in over a century.
When is the First Day of Spring?
As the first day of spring 2023 approaches, it's almost time to trade in those winter gloves for shorts. Despite the occasional hints of spring we've experienced in recent months, chilly temperatures are still expected for the upcoming weekend in New Jersey. The official start of spring will occur on Monday, March 20th at 5:24 PM Eastern time with the arrival of the spring equinox. During this time, the sun will be positioned directly over the Earth's equator, which is the central line between the North Pole and the South Pole, resulting in almost equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe. While commonly referred to as the spring equinox, it can also be called the March equinox or the vernal equinox.
Spring Equinox 2023
The term "equinox" is derived from two Latin words, "Equi" meaning equal, and "nox" meaning night. Meanwhile, the alternative name for this annual event, the vernal equinox, comes from the word "vernal" which translates to "new" and "fresh" according to the Farmers' Almanac.
During the Northern Hemisphere's spring equinox (also known as the March equinox or vernal equinox), the Sun crosses the celestial equator in a south-to-north direction. The celestial equator is an imaginary line above the Earth's equator in the sky. If you were to stand on the equator, the Sun would pass directly overhead on its way north.
During the March equinox, both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere receive approximately equal amounts of sunlight, as neither hemisphere is tilted more towards or away from the Sun than the other.
Spring Equinox 2023 Rituals
The Earth's orbit around the sun is responsible for creating the seasonal cycle of the year. Solstices, occurring when the Earth's axis tilts towards or away from the sun, mark the extreme points of this cycle, with the longest or shortest days and nights. Equinoxes, on the other hand, are characterized by equal day and night lengths all over the world. The four cross-quarter days that occur approximately midway between solstices and equinoxes are celebrated by many cultures as natural turning points in the Earth's cycle.
During the spring equinox, day and night are of equal length, and signs of renewal abound in nature. As we perform our annual rituals of spring cleaning and shed our winter lethargy, we are uplifted by the sound of birdsong filling the air. It's a time of great potential, and we feel a surge of energy as we set our intentions for the year ahead.
Despite the winds of change and uncertainty that may blow, the breaking open of Oestra's egg symbolizes a new beginning and an opportunity to realize our goals. Drawing on the wisdom of both humans and nature, we can learn from the wild geese who fly in close formation, honking in harmony as they cover great distances together. By working together, we can achieve greater things and build deeper connections with each other and the world around us.
- The Equinox is a significant event celebrated and honored by various cultures around the world for centuries, including the Pagan tradition of Ostara, which has its roots in Celtic traditions.
- One of the rituals inspired by Ostara, according to Wanderlust, is creating a personalized altar to gain self-confidence and manifest your dreams. This altar can be small and include symbolic elements of spring, such as flowers, herbs, crystals, images, and words.
- The intention behind the altar is personal and can be used for meditation and visualization. You can reflect on leaving behind old patterns, habits, or limiting beliefs and imagine your life without them.
- Visualization techniques involving the energy of light or the sun can help cultivate self-compassion and acceptance. These techniques can be repeated for seven days to solidify intentions and manifest change.
First Day of Spring 2023 - FAQs
March 20th at 5:24 PM Eastern time with the arrival of the spring equinox
On March 20th, 2023 at 5:24 P.M. EDT, the March equinox will occur, marking the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Earth's orbit around the sun is responsible for creating the seasonal cycle of the year.
During the spring equinox, day and night are of equal length, and signs of renewal abound in nature. As we perform our annual rituals of spring cleaning and shed our winter lethargy, we are uplifted by the sound of birdsong filling the air. It's a time of great potential, and we feel a surge of energy as we set our intentions for the year ahead.