Happy Autumn!

A touch of gold in the Autumn night
I walked abroad,
And saw the ruddy Moon lean over a hedge
Like a red-faced farmer.

–T. E. Hulme (1883–1917)

September 22—Autumnal Equinox

The autumnal equinox is defined as the point at which the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator from north to south. The word equinox means “equal night,” when night and day are of the same duration.

In Europe, the conclusion of the harvest each autumn was once marked by festivals of fun, feasting, and thanksgiving known as “Harvest Home.” It was also a time to hold elections, pay workers, and collect rents. These festivals usually took place around the time of the autumnal equinox.

For more Fall facts, please visit the Old Farmer's Alamanac.