The First Day of Spring

Vernal Equinox March 20th, 2009 7:44am

Equinox literally means "equal night." At the Spring Equinox day and night are the same length, with light gaining momentum. This "bringing in of the light" and the "new growth" that occurs in nature symbolizes rebirth. The reoccuring theme of rebirth or resurrection is echoed in the Christian tradition of Easter. Since the church does not celebrate Full Moons, Easter is celebrated after the Sun moves into Aries, or on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon after the Equinox. Ironically, the name Easter was taken from a Teutonic lunar goddess, Eostre, whose holiday was held on the Full Moon nearest the Vernal Equinox, and the Christian traditional symbols of Easter bunnies and eggs have their roots in the pagan traditions of Eostre who honored nature's fertility. This year the first Full Moon after the Equinox falls on Thursday, April 9th which gives us our date for Easter Sunday, April 12th 2009.