Equinox: meaning, definitions and examples

Astronomy

• Equinoxes occur twice a year, around March 21 and September 23, marking the start of spring and autumn.
• During an equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator, making day and night nearly equal in duration.
• There are two main equinoxes: the vernal (spring) and the autumnal (fall), each with unique cultural significance.

Cultural Significance

• Many cultures celebrate the spring equinox with festivals that mark rebirth and renewal, such as Nowruz in Persian culture.
• In the ancient Mayan civilization, equinoxes were crucial for agricultural planning, influencing planting and harvesting.
• Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England, is aligned with the sunrise during the equinox, showcasing ancient astronomical knowledge.

Science

• The equinox signifies an important point in the Earth's orbit around the sun, affecting climate and sunlight distribution.
• Equinoxes can influence animal behavior, with many animals breeding or migrating in response to the changing seasons.
• During equinoxes, gravitational interactions with the sun and moon can affect ocean tides, highlighting the interconnection of natural forces.

Literature

• Equinoxes feature prominently in literature, symbolizing balance and transition in works ranging from poetry to novels.
• Many authors use the equinox as a metaphor for change, reflecting life's cycles and the balance between opposing forces.
• Notable literary figures, like William Blake, referenced the equinox in connection with themes of duality and harmony.

Positioned at #22,779, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22779 equinox
• 22780 portentous
• 22781 peeped
• 22782 culminate
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