It is officially the first day of the fall season!
Summer has come to a close, and the fall season has now begun in the Northern Hemisphere. Monday marked the autumn equinox, when the duration of night and day is roughly equally in balance across the globe.
Typically, the Earth is tilted on its axis, but twice a year, the sun illuminates the Northern and Southern hemispheres equally. These are called equinoxes. Soon, the days will grow shorter and shorter.
For Pagans, the autumn equinox is celebrated as a holiday known as Mabon. It is observed as a time for gratitude, balance, transition and preparation. It offers reflection on the harvest and nature’s abundance before the coming winter as the Pagan Wheel of the Year turns in its annual cycle.
The Pagan Wheel of the Year is a cycle of eight seasonal sabbat festivities. They signify the changes in the seasons of the year. Some Pagans celebrate this day with decorating their altars, gratitude and release rituals, connecting with nature or feasting.
For non-Pagans, the autumn equinox means fall favorites are back in season. ISU students are embracing autumn in a number of ways.
Jamie Coggi, a senior majoring in animal science, shared his favorite fall activity.
“I like going to pumpkin patches and also getting a pumpkin spice latte,” Coggi said.
Walking to class or through campus can be especially beautiful during this season, says Elizabeth Russell, a sophomore in chemical engineering.
“If I had to pick — gosh, that’s actually hard — literally just going on walks and looking at the leaves,” Russell said.
Whether it’s apple picking, cozy sweaters or cool weather, the season has something to offer for almost everyone.
“I love fall,” Anwesha Khairari, a freshman studying animal science, said. “I love the warm weather and the cold weather, but I don’t like it when it gets too, too cold, but I love fall overall… [I love] jumping in leaf piles. Fall is also where my birthday lies.”
Around the world, this day signifies a moment of harmony as the season turns. As the leaves change color, take a moment to enjoy the balance of the equinox.
