Autumn Equinox / Fall Begins

Fall begins (Northern H.) History

The Observance of the Beginning of Fall, also known as the Autumnal Equinox, is a celestial event that marks the start of the autumn season. It is a moment when the Earth's tilt is neither facing towards nor away from the sun, resulting in an almost equal amount of daylight and darkness across the planet. This significant event holds different cultural and spiritual meanings for various societies around the world, with some considering it a time of balance, harvest, and preparation for the colder months ahead.

In the Netherlands, the Autumnal Equinox has been observed since ancient times. The Dutch people have a strong agricultural history, hence the importance of observing the changing seasons to ensure successful crops. For instance, the famous Keukenhof gardens were initially created in the 15th-century to provide an area where kitchen herbs and vegetables could be grown for the nearby castle. The Autumnal Equinox signifies the end of the growing season and the beginning of harvest, a significant period for a nation with such a rich agricultural past.

In modern times, the Beginning of Fall is observed in the Netherlands with various customs and traditions. Dutch people may use the occasion to prepare their gardens for the colder months, or take part in seasonal outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling through the beautiful fall foliage. The Autumnal Equinox also plays a role in many seasonal events, such as apple and pumpkin festivals, and the famous Dutch tradition of “gezelligheid,” which is loosely translated to the warm feeling of enjoying cozy moments with friends and family. The Autumnal Equinox usually occurs around September 22nd or 23rd in the Netherlands, marking the transition from summer to fall and creating an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Facts about Fall begins

• The Harvest Moon is the full moon which occurs closest to the autumnal equinox.
• The Fall Equinox is also known as: Alban Elfed, Cornucopia, Feast of Avilon, Festival of Dionysus, Harvest Tide, Mabon, Night of the Hunter, Second Harvest Festival, and Wine Harvest.
• Specific to Dutch cultural history, painters of the 17th century would often depict autumn landscapes during the onset of fall. These paintings typically featured farmers at work in the fields, geese flying in formation, and people in rural villages preparing for the winter months ahead.
• The Autumnal Equinox in the Netherlands signals the start of a dramatic shift in weather conditions. As the days become shorter and cooler, the famous Dutch skies often showcase striking cloud formations and colorful sunsets that have inspired many artists over decades and centuries.

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for Autumn Equinox / Fall Begins

Top things to do in Netherlands for the beginning of Fall

• Take a hike and enjoy the colorful leaves.
• Visit a Nature Center or Nature Museum near you.
• As September and October are prime times for wild mushrooms in the Netherlands, you can take part in guided wild mushroom walks or enjoy seasonal dishes that feature mushrooms at various restaurants.
• The beginning of Fall marks the harvest of apples and pears in the Netherlands. Some orchards offer plukdagen (pick-your-own days), where visitors can pick and purchase fresh fruit.