You’ve started to see the signs of fall and think about family members returning to school. With the autumnal equinox just around the corner, you won’t have to wait long for shorter days, warmer colors, fall flower delivery, and cozy moments at home. While it may still feel like summer after September 22, this day signals the official arrival of fall.
Besides telling us when we can break out our chunky sweaters and get ready for all things pumpkin spice, the autumnal equinox is also tied to interesting traditions and fun events. And it reminds us to say farewell-for-now to summer and welcome autumn into our gardens and homes.
Equal Day and Night
Wondering where the name equinox comes from?
When this day arrives, the number of hours of light and dark are close to equal. After the equinox passes, the number of hours of light fade, leading to the short days you made be dreading.
Rather than loathing these longer nights, light some flickering candles and shop our floral arrangements to brighten up your space and mood. If you’re going to be spending more time at home, why not make it a place you love to be?
Orange Glow of the Harvest Moon
There’s something magical about full moons…especially the harvest moon. Named after the light it provided to farmers during autumn harvests, this full moon is known for its bright orange glow.
The autumnal equinox determines the date of this special lunar event; the full moon nearest the equinox is dubbed the harvest moon. This year, you can spot this nighttime wonder on October 1.
This moon stands out from the rest due to its unique rising patterns. When the harvest moon arrives, the moonrise — or time when the moon crests above the horizon — is only 30 minutes later each night. The rest of the year, the moonrise occurs 50 minutes later each night.
Why does this matter? Earlier moonrises mean more light during otherwise dark autumn nights. This extended evening light has been crucial for farmers rushing to pull in crops like cabbages and carrots.
People around the world celebrate the arrival of this lunar phenomenon with festivals and special traditions. In China and Southeast Asian countries, people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by gathering with family, eating mooncakes, and lighting lanterns. And in parts of Europe and North America, individuals bring in their harvests to share with the community. Sounds like a worldwide fall phenomenon, all to the beautiful backdrop of the glowing Harvest Moon.
Time to Plant Bulbs
While you may be excited for pumpkins and changing leaves, the arrival of fall is also a reminder to think ahead to spring! By planting flower bulbs in autumn, you’ll be rewarded with bright blooms after winter passes.
The best time to plant bulbs depends on where you live, but in areas that experience snowfall, the autumnal equinox is a great time to put some tulips, daffodils, and crocuses in the ground.
When you’re buying these future flowers, make sure to look for firm bulbs that are free of mold. Select a site that receives at least six hours of sun each day, and make sure the soil is well-draining. You can always add some compost or peat moss to improve the soil.
Dig a hole that is two to three times as deep as your bulb is high. For example, if you have a two-inch tall tulip bulb, you’ll want a hole that is four to six inches deep.
After you plant your flowers-to-be, you can sit back and relax, knowing that you’ll have cheerful blooms to greet you in the spring.
A Reminder to Plant Fall Crops
It’s easy to forget about fall crops. As your summer garden winds down, you might just want to clean it up, shake the dirt of your gloves, and call it quits for the year. But if you want to enjoy some homegrown veggies in the cooler months, now is the time to plant that garden cornucopia!
Since these fall plants need to mature before days become short and frost arrives, it’s best to get them in the ground before or shortly after the first day of fall. If you wait too long, the crops won’t mature before winter arrives.
You can plant some seeds directly in the garden — think carrots, radishes, turnips, and beets. If you want to grow broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage, start with transplants.
Enjoy Alluring Fall Flowers
The equinox signals that gorgeous fall flowers are just around the corner. If you think autumn blooms are drab, think again. Check out our list of the best fall flowers and you might be amazed at how awesome fall blooms can look.
A number of flowers shine in fall, including chrysanthemums, asters, and flowering kale. With interesting textures and gorgeous hues of orange, purple, and gold, you’ll fall in love with these beauties in no time.
If you decide that you need some of these blooms ASAP, make sure to check out our same-day flower delivery. You’ll have a beautiful Bouq on your table or mantle before you know it.
The Day Shines Light on Monuments
Just as we pay tribute to autumn with farm-fresh veggies and bouquets, the Mayan heavily valued the changing of the seasons, too. One monument portrays this especially well: the Pyramid of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, Mexico is a tribute to the feathered serpent god of the same name.
Each equinox, the placement of the sun forms a mix of shadows and light that create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid steps. This body connects to a stone serpent head at the temple’s base, making it clear the Mayans knew of the presence of this shadowy serpent.
If serpents aren’t really your style, another monument that is especially important on the autumnal equinox is Stonehenge. Hundreds of druids and pagans make the trek to this monument each year to joyfully celebrate the arrival of fall.
Get Ready for All Fall Has to Offer
While the equinox is a special day itself, it is also a reminder to get excited for all that fall has to bring to the table – literally, cornucopias of fall harvests, fresh flowers, and pumpkin-spiced everything. Even if this season looks a little different this year (or exactly the same as it did this spring), you can still think about what you’re excited for this autumn, sol put on a scarf, watch the colors change, bake your favorite apple or pumpkin treat, and take a moment to stop and smell the (fall) roses.
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