Images that capture the idea of (spring) equinox

Have you ever wondered about the meaning and symbolism of “equinox”? How would one capture the idea of equinox in photography?

Let’s look first at the science and spirituality (if you will) of the spring equinox:

Science:

The spring equinox happens each year, between March 20 and March 21, or, in a leap year, between March 19 and March 21. This year, 2024, being a leap year (the number, 2024, divides by four) the spring equinox occurs tonight, March 19, 2024, at 11:06 pm, EST. That’s when the sun crosses the equator, heading north.

Spirituality:

The spring equinox represents new life, new beginnings. The word “equinox” suggests the idea of 50/50, of balance, equal or even. It comes from the Latin “aequus” meaning “equal” and “nox” meaning “night.” Hence, perhaps “equal night”?

In photography, the spring equinox might suggest the idea of 50/50 shadows/brights, but getting brighter, or with the tendency of getting brighter.

Here’s an example of one of my own images that, I think, could capture the meaning or symbolism of the spring equinox:

In the Rainbow Divide image posted above, the rainbow crosses the image frame diagonally, splitting it in half, a rainbow divide between shadows (left) and brights (right). As we scan this image (mostly from left to right because most of us read from left to right), we also are transported from shadows (left) the brighter light (right).

Happy Spring Equinox to all of you and, as always, thanks for stopping by.

Happy Spring!

Alina Oswald