Day and night are equally divided,

Autumn is at its finest.

Autumnal Equinox

The sun's pointer

Precisely divides day and night.

Half for the gradually shortening daylight,

Half for the lingering night.

The wind steals the green from the leaves,

Yet gives them the sky's entire golden hue.

Today marks the Autumn Equinox. The character “分” signifies equal division of day and night, meaning that on this day, daylight and nighttime are of equal length across most regions of the globe.

After the Autumn Equinox, nights in the Northern Hemisphere gradually lengthen, and the weather grows progressively cooler. Morning dew becomes heavier, leaves turn yellow, and autumn truly arrives.

This season is the time for harvest. Fields are golden with ripening rice, while orchards are filled with the sweet scent of melons and fruits. Savor the sweetness of autumn by enjoying seasonal pears, grapes, and persimmons.

The crisp, pleasant weather of the Autumn Equinox is perfect for strolling outdoors, hiking, and admiring the vibrant autumn colors that paint the forests. However, with significant temperature differences between morning and evening, remember to bring an extra layer to avoid catching a chill.

First Sign: Thunder Fades Away

After the Autumn Equinox, rainfall diminishes and thunder gradually recedes. Ancient wisdom held that thunder arose from the abundance of yang energy. As yin energy grows stronger after the equinox, thunder ceases.

Second Sign: Insects Seal Their Holes

As the weather turns colder, hibernating insects retreat into their burrows, sealing the entrances with fine soil to ward off the cold.

Third Sign: Waters Begin to Dry Up

With reduced rainfall and drier conditions, the water levels in rivers and lakes start to diminish.

As the Autumn Equinox arrives, nights grow longer. May you, in this season of harvest, also reap your own beauty and abundance.