As September nears and the end of summer approaches, many will be getting ready to face the chillier months.
With the start of autumn just around the corner, the days will become shorter and the weather will get colder.
Whilst it might sound all doom and gloom, autumn also means it's getting closer to festive celebrations and the start of a new year.
Although many attempt to avoid the start of the new season, others celebrate the change with Autumn Equinox.
What is Autumn Equinox?
Occurring in September every year, the Autumn Equinox marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
As the Royal Museums Greenwich shares, the Earth's tilted nature means seasons change: "The Sun illuminates the northern or southern hemisphere more depending on where the Earth is along its orbit."
However, an Equinoxe is very special as the Museums share: "At two points in the year the Sun will illuminate the northern and southern hemispheres equally. These are known as the equinoxes."
When is the Autumn Equinox in 2023?
In 2023, the Autumn Equinox will take place in the UK on Saturday, 23 of September at 7.49am.
When do the clocks change in the UK?
With the changing of seasons, we are reminded of dark evenings and the changing of the clocks.
This year your clocks will need to be put back on Sunday, October 29 at 2am.
Traditions and customs of Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox goes back many years, as do its traditions and customs.
In China, they celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival, also known as the Moon Festival.
It is celebrated by people coming together for dinners, worshipping the moon, lighting paper lanterns and more.
In Japan, it is celebrated with the tradition of Higan and is a time to remember family members who have passed away. Higan lasts for a week, starting three days before the equinox begins.
Furthermore, the Pagan tradition, Mabon, is used to celebrate the equinox by giving thanks for a plentiful harvest for the coming winter months.
In astrology, the autumn equinox marks entry into the Libra season.
