The First Day of Fall

The First Day of Fall occurs when the Sun passes through the celestial equator, a line that runs perpendicular to Earth’s equator in a north-south direction. Every year on September 22, the autumnal equinox takes place in the Northern Hemisphere, while the spring equinox occurs in the Southern Hemisphere. On this day, the Sun is directly above the equator, and the length of day and night is nearly equal. Beginning September 23, nights in the Northern Hemisphere become longer, and days in the Southern Hemisphere become longer.

History

The word “autumn” has ancient Etruscan roots. It was used by the Romans and later entered Latin as “autumnus.” During the Middle Ages, the word lost popularity until the 16th century. Later, this term in England began to refer to the harvest season. In North America, the term “fall” is commonly used today.

Interesting Facts

• Many people associate fall with Thanksgiving, Halloween, and various seasonal traditions.
• Fall is a popular time for tourism, as nature takes on vibrant colors in different regions.
• Druids associated the autumn equinox with the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter.

How to Take Part

Spend this day outdoors: pick apples, gather pumpkins, or enjoy the beauty of nature. If you like to travel, consider visiting places famous for their fall scenery, such as Kyoto, Vermont, Iceland, Chicago, Ontario, or Bavaria. Watch films set in autumn or enjoy a football game, since fall is football season.

When is The First Day of Fall in 2025?

The First Day of Fall is observed on September 22 each year.

Observations