The First Day of Fall: Welcoming the Season of Change
The first day of fall, also known as the autumnal equinox, marks a special turning point in the year. Typically occurring around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere, this day is when the hours of daylight and darkness are nearly equal—a moment of balance before the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer.
Fall, or autumn, is a season of transformation. It’s when the green leaves of summer turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The air becomes crisp, sweaters come out of storage, and pumpkin spice makes its annual return to menus everywhere. But beyond the cozy clichés, fall is a time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of change.
What is the Autumnal Equinox?
The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in roughly equal lengths of day and night. After this point, the sun continues to move lower in the sky each day, bringing cooler temperatures and longer nights.
For centuries, cultures around the world have celebrated the equinox with festivals, harvest gatherings, and spiritual observances. From the Japanese holiday of Shūbun no Hi, which honors ancestors, to traditional harvest festivals in Europe and North America, the arrival of fall has always held symbolic meaning.
Signs That Fall Has Arrived
While the calendar marks a single day as the start of fall, many of us recognize the shift in subtle ways:
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Cooler mornings and golden sunsets
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The scent of woodsmoke and fallen leaves
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Orchards filled with apples and pumpkins
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Migrating birds flying south in V-formations
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Football games, cozy blankets, and hot drinks
There’s something nostalgic about fall—it invites us to slow down, take stock of where we’ve been, and prepare for the season ahead.
Embracing the Season
Fall offers a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and indoor comfort. Here are a few ways to celebrate the first day of fall:
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Go leaf-peeping: Visit a park or forest to witness the stunning fall foliage.
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Decorate your home: Add warm tones, candles, and autumnal accents to create a cozy space.
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Bake something seasonal: Think pumpkin bread, apple pie, or cinnamon cookies.
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Start a gratitude journal: Fall is a reflective season—capture what you’re thankful for.
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Plan a fall outing: Go apple picking, visit a corn maze, or take a scenic hike.
A Season of Gratitude and Renewal
While many associate fall with endings—the end of summer, the dying of leaves—it’s also a time of harvest and preparation. It’s a moment to gather what we’ve grown, both literally and metaphorically, and appreciate the progress we’ve made.
As the light dims and the air cools, fall encourages us to find warmth in ourselves and in each other. Whether you’re sipping cider by a fire, watching the leaves fall, or bundling up for your morning walk, the first day of fall invites us to reconnect—with nature, with tradition, and with our own inner rhythms.
So grab your favorite sweater, breathe in the crisp autumn air, and welcome the season of change.
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