Happy (belated) St Patrick’s Day and Happy (belated) Spring Equinox

St Patrick’s Day, or the feast of St Patrick is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17th  March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c.385 – c.461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years and the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox (aka spring equinox or vernal equinox) occurs when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north. This event marks the start of spring in the northern half of the globe. This year, the spring equinox happened on Saturday, March 20 at 5:37am. For many, the spring equinox or Ostara, is a time for rituals and celebrations surrounding the themes of fertility, new beginnings, and rebirth. Eggs and bunnies represent fertility, while eggs and seedlings are considered symbols of rebirth and renewal. The spring equinox marks the start of the new year in Iran.