ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The autumnal equinox ushered in a new fall season at 8:44 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The autumnal equinox is one of only two days when the sun is directly above the equator, meaning places experience nearly equal parts day and night.
The first day of fall, or autumnal equinox, has been woven into many cultures and mythologies.
In Greek mythology, the autumnal equinox is linked to the story of Persephone, the goddess who was abducted and taken to the underworld to become the wife of Hades, according to Discovery.com. The story goes that Hades abducted Persephone from her mother, Demeter, the goddess of harvest. On the autumnal equinox, Persephone returns to the underworld to spend three months with Hades. While Persephone is in the underworld, Demeter refuses to use her powers to make plants grow, which causes the earth to slow and winter to occur.
One of the most spectacular signs of autumn is the turning of the leaves. The shorter days are a sign to trees to begin to prepare for winter.
During winter there is not enough light for photosynthesis to occur, so as the days shorten, the trees begin to close their food production systems and reduce the amount of chlorophyll in their leaves.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THIS YEAR’S FALL COLORS?
Autumn also heralds a time of change and transition. It not only marks a time of change and transition but also symbolizes balance and harmony. The sun’s entrance into Libra, represented by the balanced scales, reminds us of the importance of finding equilibrium in our lives.
