The autumn equinox occurs between Sept. 21 and 24, as the sun crosses the celestial equator heading southward, according to astronomical sources.
Historically, this event was celebrated in Celtic tradition as Mabon, featuring the construction of altars laden with harvest fruits and vegetables as offerings to the goddess or Mother Earth. It was a time for people to reflect on their blessings.
In both the Old and New Worlds, the season signaled a time for harvest-related activities. People foraged, butchered, and baked using late-season grains, nuts, and fruits. Breads, cakes, cider, and brandy were common seasonal treats.
Harvest festivals historically brought communities together to celebrate the abundance of the land and their shared landscapes. Modern gardeners and farmers remain connected to these seasonal cycles, observing rituals that honor the changing seasons and the Earth’s rhythms.
As one gardener notes, these rites and traditions help people mark their place in the cycle of the sun and seasons, fostering a sense of connection to nature and community during this time of transition.
