As spring has officially begun in the Northern Hemisphere, Futura looks at sometimes little-known but interesting phenomena: the equinoxes and solstices. These annual events are celebrated by various cultures around the world, and are marked by the construction of magnificent works of architecture and sometimes astonishing rituals.
Equinoxes and solstices indicate rhythm and tempo SeasonsSeasons Throughout the year. From March 20 to 21, the Sun crosses the celestial equator for about 33 hours: days are the same length as Earth's.Southern HemisphereSouthern Hemisphereit is inNorthern hemisphereNorthern hemisphere. to'September equinoxSeptember equinox (around September 20), works on a similar principle. As for the solstice, it is the longest day of summer in the northern part of the Earth, and it is June 21. The shortest day is December 21 during the winter solstice. Although today we are accustomed to these annual phenomena, the solstices and equinoxes nevertheless had a ritual aspect for many ancient peoples. All over the world, sites built centuries ago commemorate these events in sometimes astonishing ways.
Ritual events, from Mexico to Cambodia, via England
Like the EclipseEclipsethe follower CometsComets Or potential SupernovaeSupernovaethe a movementa movement The presence of the Sun in the celestial vault has been widely observed in prehistoric and ancient civilizations. Many of the structures have been cut to fit the movement starsstars. 140 kilometers east of London lies one of the most spectacular megalithic sites. Stonehenge, made up of massive stones placed in strategic locations, has raised questions among archaeologists HistoriansHistorians For centuries. Sometimes it's a Mecca for Druidic ritual, sometimes buildingbuilding Extraterrestrial, the most bizarre hypotheses have fueled the history of Stonehenge. One certainty remains:Spring equinoxSpring equinox It is an annual event highlighted by the Temple. At approximately 6:00 a.m. on March 21, the rising sun hit the circle at a very specific angle, providing a unique view.
This influence exists in other countries and in various archived sites around the world. Study published in nature in 1976 details the observations of a group of researchers within the walls of Angkor Wat, Cambodia. By positioning themselves at a specific point in the complex, the scientists observed that the sun rose perfectly above the central tower during the vernal equinox. In Mexico, the Kukulkan Pyramid was built in the eleventh centuryH It produces a striking effect during the March and September equinoxes. there a lighta light The sun illuminates the templedawndawn, creating a play of shadows that mimics a zigzag shape along the pyramid. In Egypt, the sun sets behind the pyramids during the equinox. But in 2020, authorities noticed that the last rays of light were disappearing along a very precise axis, behind the Sphinx. Additional studies indicate that IllusionIllusion This famous piece, located at the foot of the Pyramids, was built in this exact location to coincide with the path of the star during these events.
Major astronomical events throughout the year
Equinoxes and solstices are times of celebration in many cultures around the world. Many Native American communities take advantage of these astrological phenomena to establish rituals intended to honor the gods. For some peoples, for example Zuni Pueblo in New MexicoThese celebrations relate in particular toagricultureagriculture And abundant crops for next year.
Previously, in ancient Greece, equinoxes and solstices served as tools for scientists to try to understand the movement of stars in the sky. Mechanisms such as the Antikythera Machine, created in Iany Century BC, March, June, September, and December were used WarehousesWarehouses. This calculator, made of gears and famous for its technology, made it possible to observe the movement of the stars and could theoretically predict eclipses. In medieval India, in IXH In the 19th century AD, the people of Kerala began celebrating the vernal equinox during the vernal equinox festival Vishu. The latter is still revered in southwestern India. in France, Summer SolsticeSummer Solstice It is celebrated every year during Music party, June 21. If we can attribute this choice of date to pure chance, then… Word Music Day It takes place in about 100 countries around the world on the same date, and celebrates the longest day and shortest night with concerts. Also in France, midsummer bonfires stem directly from the medieval tradition of the summer solstice: large bonfires were lit at crossroads to ward off unclean spirits, throughout this short night…
