Spring Equinox Arrives March 20, Marking Seasonal Shift

NEWARK, N.J. — Spring is in the air as the spring equinox approaches on March 20, 2025, heralding the official start of the season. Occurring when the sun aligns directly over the Earth’s equator, this astronomical event brings nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness worldwide.

Kicking off at 5:01 a.m. EDT, the spring equinox, or vernal equinox, signifies a pivotal moment when the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive equal sunlight. For many, this date symbolizes the end of winter and the promise of warmer days ahead.

The term ‘equinox’ traces its origins to Latin, with ‘equi’ meaning equal and ‘nox’ meaning night. The spring equinox specifically marks one of the two equinoctial points in the year, the other being the autumn equinox.

Notably, the spring equinox may occur on March 19, 20, or 21 each year. In 2024, it lands on March 19, but 2025 will see it return to March 20. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, the spring equinox does not fall on the same date each year due to the Earth’s axial tilt and elliptical orbit.

“A year is not an even number of days, nor are the seasons,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Naval Observatory. “As the Earth’s orbit changes, it affects when we reach this celestial milestone.”

The transition into spring has historical significance. Ancient civilizations marked seasonal changes through celestial events, making them vital for agricultural planning and cultural rituals. Today, traditions continue, with various celebrations held around the equinox.

In many cultures, the spring equinox is synonymous with renewal and new beginnings. The Persian New Year, Nowruz, is celebrated globally, coinciding with the equinox and symbolizing rebirth and nature’s rejuvenation.

<p“At its core, Nowruz is about the transition from darkness to light,” said Farida Zeynalova, a cultural historian. “It connects us to our ancestors and the cycles of nature.”

During Nowruz, families gather to prepare traditional meals and engage in spring cleaning, or ‘khane tekani’, as a reflection of renewal. Foods typically served include rice dishes, sweets, and symbolic items representing health, wealth, and agriculture.

As the days lengthen following the equinox, people often become more active outdoors. In addition, the arrival of the equinox signals the onset of seasonal festivals and outdoor events, with many communities planning celebrations.

Weather predictions for the spring indicate a warmer-than-normal season across various U.S. regions, according to the Farmer's Almanac. It suggests that warmer temperatures will be prevalent as the solar cycle nears its peak in July 2025. This cycle impacts global temperatures due to increased solar activity.

As we approach March 20, anticipation for blooming flowers and emerging wildlife grows. Communities and individuals alike prepare to embrace the joys of longer days filled with warmth and light.