The Autumnal Equinox is the first day of Autumn. This year it is today! Friday the 22nd of September.
The Autumnal Equinox is the day when the Earths equator, aligns with the centre of the sun. So this is the day when (theoretically) both sides of the earths hemispheres, have the same amount of daylight. Since on this day there is an equal amount of day and night, hence we derive the name ‘equinox’ – equal night. The date changes each year because the earth does not move around the sun in a perfect circle, but in an ellipse. The moon this month is traditionally called the harvest moon, for this is the month when farmers would bring in the harvest due to the end of Summer.
From today the days get shorter and the nights get longer and in England, things get colder, windier and wetter. But don’t fret! If you’re studying EC Brighton Language Courses, there are many wonderful parts to this season. Take a falling leaf out of John Keats book, here’s a section of the English Romantics’ poem; ‘To Autumn’
SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
Autumn in Brighton City;
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the season of Autumn in Brighton. As the weather changes, so do the colours, moods and character of our surroundings.
There are many wonderful parks and forests to explore in England, after all England is a forest island. Why not try taking a trip to Sheffield Park? Just over an hours drive up from Brighton, not far past Haywards Heath, this horticultural work of art is a treat for all the senses particularly in Autumn. Sheffield park has been cultivated over centuries, home to 4 lakes with intertwining paths, a myriad of tree species and many garden beds brimming with varieties of flowers. How can a little cold wind get you down with such spectacles as this?
Maybe you prefer to stay closer to the city? There is always an abundance of activity in a city like Brighton. Hit the seafront on the 23rd of September to see the annual 5K Colour Run, have a night of operatic decadence in the Royal Pavilion on October 12th, satisfy your curiosities at a vintage, antiques and collectables fair at Brighton Racecourse on October 22nd or see the biggest model train collection of your life on November 18th at the Model Railway Exhibition at Patcham Community Centre.
Like all times of year in Brighton City, Autumn has its own unique character, qualities and events. Despite the lengthening nights and dropping temperature, there are plenty of seasonal treats to compensate. Enjoy the Autumnal Equinox today and for more information on how you can enjoy Autumn at EC English Language School in Brighton, speak to our staff at reception.
Happy Harvest!