Celebrating the September equinox

The September equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, marks the day when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, resulting in roughly equal day and night. This celestial event is celebrated in various cultures worldwide, often symbolizing balance, harvest, and the changing of seasons.

Traditional Celebrations and Customs

• Mabon (Pagan): This festival honors the harvest and the balance of light and dark. Pagans often gather to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and prepare for the coming winter.
• Higan (Buddhist): In Japan, Higan is a seven-day period centered around the equinox, when people visit graves and offer prayers to their ancestors.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (East Asian): While not directly tied to the equinox, this festival, celebrated in China, Taiwan, and other Asian countries, is often near the autumnal equinox. It features mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings.

Ways to Celebrate the Equinox

Whether you follow a specific tradition or simply want to appreciate the changing seasons, here are some ideas for celebrating the equinox:

• Spend time in nature: Take a hike, have a picnic,Go to a Geocaching Event or simply sit outside and enjoy the beauty of Spring.
• Harvest and enjoy seasonal foods: Gather fruits, vegetables, and other harvest offerings. Cook a meal using seasonal ingredients.
• Decorate your home: Incorporate spring colors and symbols into your decor..
• Meditate or reflect: The equinox is a time of balance. Take time for introspection and reflection.
• Gather with loved ones: Share a meal, play games, or simply spend quality time with friends and family.

Geocaching HQ created a souvenir for geocachers to celebrate the September equinox. To earn this souvenir, geocachers must find a total of 3 geocaches, Event Caches, and/or Adventure Lab® Locations between September 22–28, 2024.

Details:-

• At the park hopefully we will get one of the limited tables, might be best to bring a hat and chair as well just in case.
• If you would like to being something small for morning tea, might be nice.
• Bring your own drinks
• There is toilets at bunnings as you turn off the highway a few hundred meters from GZ, these are located in the back left hand corner, there is also a cafe on the right hand side in bunnings