The Autumn Equinox

            The name "Equinox" is from the root of the Latin word aequus, meaning equal, and nox, meaning night, thus creating the term Equal Night.This name is very suitable because an equinox is the event where night and day are exactly the same length at twelve hours each (24 hours in a day divided by 2 = 12).  Equinox's happen two times a year (March 20th and September 22nd) when the Earth's equator passes by the center of the sun. Also, during this time is when seasons are completely opposite in each side of the equator. This event was commonly celebrated back in the Ancient times by the Pagans. They believed that this particular day marked the birth of the Pagan Earth goddess, Mabon. Today, the Fall Equinox can be seen being celebrated by Fall fairs and harvest festivals.

Where the Equinox holiday is celebrated:

• Ancient Greece
• Australia
• China
• Japan
• Christian Religion/ Churches
• Pagan celebration: Mabon 

Sources:

             http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/september-equinox-customs.html

             http://www.infoplease.com/spot/equinox1.html

             http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013/0923/What-exactly-is-an-equinox-anyway

             http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/fall.htm