Why
is March 20 so significant? Probably it is because it's a date
that symbolizes a change of seasons. On March 20, 2004, at precisely
06:49 (Universal Time), the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's
equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the
Northern Hemisphere.
The word "equinox" means "equal night." Because the sun is positioned
above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the
world during the equinoxes.
The vernal equinox symbolizes rebirth, youth, the morning star and the
east.
People have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years.
Ancient cultures celebrated the vernal equinox for the simple reason
that their food supplies would soon be restored.
The vernal equinox is significant in Christianity because Easter always
falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal
equinox.
It was probably no coincidence that early Egyptians built the Great
Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of
the vernal equinox.
Eggs play a very important part in ancient myths regarding the vernal
equinox. According to folklore, this is the one time of each year
when an egg could be stood on end. If an egg can be balanced on its end
during the equinox, at exactly the same time when the day and night are
also in balance, then Earth and nature are said to be in harmony.
A. Check your vocabulary. Give the meaning of these words:
1. significant
2. symbolize
3. precisely
4. it was no coincidence
5. a myth
B. Check your comprehension.
1. March 20 is a
significant date because it represents the beginning of spring.
True
False
2. "Equinox" means "equal night".
True
False
3. The vernal equinox symbolizes eggs.
True
False
4. People in the old days celebrated the vernal equinox because they would have a greater
supply of foods soon after the vernal equinox.
True
False
5. By chance, the Egyptians built the Sphinx so that it faces the rising Sun on the day of
the vernal equinox.
True
False
6. Easter is the day after the vernal equinox.
True
False
7. According to folklore, eggs could not be broken on the vernal equinox.
Why
is March 20 so significant? Probably it is because it's a date
that symbolizes a change of seasons. On March 20, 2004, at precisely
06:49 (Universal Time), the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's
equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the
Northern Hemisphere.