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Each year, the vernal or spring equinox is a special day around the world. In the northern hemisphere, it falls on March 20 (or March 21 in some years). In the southern hemisphere it falls on September 22 (or September 23 in some years). The equinoxes represent those seasonal moments when the sun passes directly over the Equator. But whenever the vernal equinox falls, it attracts a range of cultural, religious and non religious traditions world-wide.

Most vernal equinox traditions are documented for the March vernal equinox. The reason is geographical. The largest land masses, greatest variation of cultures and most documented traditions come from the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere.

Many ancient peoples tracked equinoxes. They celebrated their traditional respect for equinoxes by tuning their architecture to lighting effects of the skies. The event of equinoxes was the opportunity to display astronomical knowledge and mathematical skills.

To experience and understand these ancient cultural traditions, some countries offer special tours at the vernal equinox. Malta is one example. Part of the tour includes a visit to the Neolithic Mnajdra temple complex of about 3,000B.C. The lower temple is astronomically aligned. The sun's rays flow directly through the temple entrance and vibrantly light up the altar at the March vernal equinox. (This also happens at the autumnal equinox).

Another example is Mexico where tours offer a glimpse of the advanced ancient Mayan culture. Each year up to 40,000 people from all over the world converge on the huge ancient Mayan temple ruin of Chichen-Itza in Mexico to watch the amazing natural light show of the vernal equinox. The afternoon shadow of the serpent god Kukulcan slowly snakes its way down the immense steps of the Kukulcan pyramid. This phenomena dates from about 1500 B.C.

Today, some ancient non-religious traditions are still practised. In both northern and southern hemispheres, the vernal equinox is celebrated by pagans as a time of renewal and growth. (This day started as a celebration held by the ancient Germans to honour their Spring lunar goddess Eostre. The name was later changed to Easter.) Pagans adopt certain rites as part of their celebration. Features of this tradition may include a green cloth, candle, soil, seed, flowers, paper and a pen on the altar. There's a dance around an imaginary circle clock-wise. Desires are recorded on the paper by each participant till finally the high priestess burns the

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