What is an equinox? It is a word that also has its origins in Latin and comes from aequinoctium, meaning ‘equal night’. According to the specialized website Aquae Fundación, the equinox occurs when the sun is above the equator, so that day and night have exactly the same duration in both hemispheres.

The month of September will not be free of astronomical events; one of the most important will be the equinox. When day and night have the same duration for all points on Earth.

The equinoxes occur every year in March and September. One between March 19 and 21 and the other around September 21 and 24. This year it is September 23 in Ecuador. This takes place at 6:50 am and in the indigenous world view the Kulla Raymi is celebrated there, it is the cult of the fertility of Mother Earth.

Many cities and towns in Ecuador celebrate Kulla Raymi, such as the Cañaris, Otavalos, Natabuela or Kayambis. In other locations, the equinox warns of the changing of seasons. In this case, it will herald the arrival of spring in the Southern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

How to celebrate the equinox

Outside of Ecuador, some other countries have their own way of celebrating this date.

In Argentina An event is celebrated, known as the moon festivalin Chinatown, with the aim of spreading Chinese customs among the Argentine population.

In Japan The equinoxes represent the beginning of the season of Ohigan or O-Higana Buddhist festival in which Japanese honor their ancestors by visiting their graves and making offerings.

In MexicoDuring the occurrence of the equinox, the sunlight reflecting on the Mayan pyramid of Kukulcán (located in Chichén Itzá, Mexico) reproduces a shadow that generates an optical effect in the form of a feathered serpent, descending the steps of the temple. (JO)