秋分英文版 | Autumn Equinox in English: A Quiet Moment of Balance
Q: What is the Autumn Equinox, and why does it matter?
A: The Autumn Equinox—usually around September 22–23—is when day and night are nearly equal in length across the globe. It’s not just a date on a calendar; it’s a gentle pause in nature’s rhythm. In Beijing last year, I watched the sun set exactly at 6:48 PM, casting golden light over the Forbidden City’s red walls. That moment felt sacred—not because of ceremony, but because of stillness.
Q: How do people celebrate it in different cultures?
A: In Japan, it’s called “Shūbun no Hi”—a national holiday where families visit ancestral graves, often with chrysanthemums. I remember walking through a Kyoto cemetery in 2022, surrounded by quiet reverence. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead begins near this time—families build altars with marigolds, photos, and favorite foods of the departed. It’s not mourning—it’s honoring the balance between life and death, much like the equinox itself.
Q: Why should we care about the equinox in our busy lives?
A: Because it reminds us to slow down. Last October, I skipped my usual morning scroll and sat outside with tea as the first frost kissed the grass. No phone, no agenda—just me and the turning season. That small act shifted something inside me. We don’t need grand rituals to feel connected. Sometimes, it’s enough to notice how the air smells cooler, or how your shadow feels longer at noon.
Q: Can you share a reallife example from your own experience?
A: Yes—I once filmed a short video during the equinox in Chengdu. I stood barefoot on dewy grass at dawn, holding a single leaf that had just turned amber. I whispered, “Thank you for letting me be here.” That video got 15K likes—not because it was polished, but because it felt honest. People wrote comments like, “This made me cry,” or “I finally noticed the light today.” That’s the power of the equinox: it doesn’t demand attention—it invites presence.
Q: How can we make this moment meaningful in our daily routines?
A: Try this: For one hour during the equinox, do nothing but observe. Notice how light falls differently now. Listen to the wind in trees—maybe it sounds quieter than summer. Write one sentence in a journal: “Today, I saw…” or “I felt…” You don’t need to go far. Just sit with yourself—and let the world turn slowly.
So yes, the Autumn Equinox has an English name—but its true magic is universal. It’s a reminder that balance isn’t static. It’s alive. And if we pay attention, even for a few minutes, we might just find ourselves reflected in the changing light.
