As we begin September many people will be getting ready to dust off their winter jumpers to face the chillier months.

Summer is over for another year and the nights are fair draw'n in while the weather is getting colder. 

The start of the new season is marked by the Autumn Equinox.

What is Autumn Equinox?

Occurring in September every year, the Autumn Equinox marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. 

The Earth's tilted nature means seasons change and the Royal Museums Greenwich states: "The Sun illuminates the northern or southern hemisphere more depending on where the Earth is along its orbit."

However, an Equinoxe is very special, as the museum adds: "At two points in the year the Sun will illuminate the northern and southern hemispheres equally. These are known as the equinoxes."

When is the Autumn Equinox in 2023?

In 2023, the Autumn Equinox will take place in the UK on Saturday, 23 of September at 7.49am. 

When do the clocks change in the UK?

With the changing of seasons, we are reminded of dark evenings and the changing of the clocks.

This year your clocks will need to be put back on Sunday, October 29 at 2am.

Traditions and customs of Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox goes back many years, as do its traditions and customs.

In China, they celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival, also known as the Moon Festival.

It is celebrated by people coming together for dinners, worshipping the moon, lighting paper lanterns and more.

In Japan, it is celebrated with the tradition of Higan and is a time to remember family members who have passed away. Higan lasts for a week, starting three days before the equinox begins.

Furthermore, the Pagan tradition, Mabon, is used to celebrate the equinox by giving thanks for a plentiful harvest for the coming winter months.

In astrology, the autumn equinox marks entry into the Libra season.