This year the September equinox occurs on the 22nd of the month: today. In the northern hemisphere, for many, it marks the beginning of autumn; and in parts of the southern hemisphere, it marks the beginning of spring. Yet, for some cultures, the equinoxes do not mark the beginning of the season at all. Instead, they mark its peak, or midway point.
In China, where there are 24 seasonal segments, the season of autumn has all ready passed through the segments of Li Qiu (beginning of autumn), to Chu Shu (limit of heat) and then to Bai Lu (when the morning dew is white). The September equinox is called Qiu Fen, and falls in the middle of the autumn segments. After it come: Han Lu (Cold Dew) and Shuang Jiang (descent of frost). The names of these segments indicate a culture that has observed very closely the changes in nature throughout the year.
Name the phases of autumn or spring
Encouraging the children to recall what the weather was like during their August holidays and to notice the changes since them, ask them to make up names for the phases of autumn (or spring) as they have observed them. Perhaps they could do this in small groups or teams, sharing their impressions with one another to come up with names.
When they have finished, compare all of their work and discuss the changes they observed. Some will show changes in nature, but many will also show changes in their man-made environments. Try to lead them to see that the human changes are, quite often, because of the weather and seasonal changes.
©2009 Anne Morddel
Seasons South and North
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