|
|
|
|
|
September / Fall Equinox |
|
An equinox occurs twice a year when the plane of the Earth's equator passes the center of the Sun. The name "equinox" is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night) because around the time of the equinox, night and day are about equal length. Equinoxes mark the beginning of spring (March) and fall (September) and differ from the solstices which mark the beginning of summer (June) and winter (December). The September or Fall equinox occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator - the imaginary line in the sky about the Earth's equator - from north to south and occurs September 23rd!
Equinoxes, in addition to solstices, have been celebrated by cultures all over the world for as long as we have had a written history. Here in Mexico, both Aztec and Mayan ancient cultures recognized these times of of the year with various celebrations. One (1) of the most famous ancient Fall equinox celebrations was the Mayan sacrificial ritual that occurred by the main pyramid in Chichen Itza. The Mayan pyramid is known by the name "El Castillo". It was built with four (4) staircases running form the bottom to the top of the pyramid's faces and is known for the bloody human sacrifices that took place annually. The design of the staircases were built at a very calculated angle so that when viewed at this time of the year, the play of light and shadow creates the illusion of an enormous snake of sunlight is undulates down the stairs at the precise moment of the equinox The Mayans named their "feathered snake God" Kukulkan.
The September / Fall Equinox (Equinoccio de Septiembre / OtoƱo) was important to the ancient tribes and religions of Mexico as this was the time of year when the viewing of Kukulkan at this time was a sign that it was now time to harvest crops to begin setting aside food and stores for the upcoming winter months as the nights grew longer than the days. Today, the celebrations in Mexico based upon the Aztec and Mayan ancient cultures. Another site in just outside of Mexico city is the city and pyramids of Teotihuacan. The original history of this magnificent archeological wonder is quite mysterious and to date, the origins of its founders are still unknown. Many ceremonies today occur throughout the year at the ruins, including those at the September equinox.
Today, the Fall equinox celebrations across Mexico continue to be large and the week before and after the actual date of September 23rd are the best viewings of the sun moving down the serpent at Chichen Itza. So if you are fortunate to be in Cozumel on this day, join the celebration of the passage of summer into winter! And if you would like to schedule a tour to Chichen Itza, we can help - just go to the link Tours to Riviera Maya and look for Chichen Itza tours!
So when you are planning a trip to Cozumel, keep in mind the September/Fall equinox as it is a wonderful time of the year to visit! The weather is fantastic, the water crystal clear and with a hint of fall is in the air! What a great time to kick back, relax and enjoy all Cozumel has to offer! If you are looking for lodging, we can assist you in your accommodations here at IslaMar Vacation Villas. To view your lodging options, please click on the link Read More About Sherri's IslaMar Villas!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
|
|