Autumnal Equinox

The autumnal equinox is one of the eight pre-historic divisions of the year (1) , a tradition which was begun over 6000 years ago in Neolithic times with the introduction of farming, but continued on into the Celtic era in Bohemia, Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales. Each day was signalled with bonfires, and involved feasting, music, singing, dancing, storytelling and feats of athletic prowess.

The autumnal equinox commemorated the celebration of resting after a long and arduous harvest season. It was traditionally seen as a time to finish projects and clear out emotional and physical clutter, so that winter can be a restful and peaceful season. It is the time to feast with friends and loved ones.

The oldest Irish legends tell us that the Tuatha Dé Danann (the Lords of the Light), who ruled the island of Ireland long before the arrival of the Celts, built the huge neolithic stone mounds which to this day can tell us the precise day to celebrate. Newgrange, which marks the winter solstice, is known the world over.  The neolithic mounds of Knowth and Carn T in Loughcrew, also built over five thousand years ago, were aligned to the rising sun on the Spring and Autumn equinox, and in the case of Knowth, to the setting sun also.  The bonfires signalling the sacred day were repeated from hilltop to hilltop throughout the land, and carried onwards throughout Alba, Cymru and Kernow.

Regrettably Knowth has been damaged over the years by a succession of bad tenants, Christians, Norsemen, Normans and English, and further vandalised by the archaeological  depredations of Professor George Eogan who was entrusted in the 1960s with carrying out the work of restoration. Unlike at Newgrange, due to structural damage at Knowth it is no longer possible to witness the sun’s rays traverse the passageways and enter the chambers. However, at Loughcrew (also in Co Meath) the magical event can still be observed and indeed many hundreds assemble there at both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes to marvel at the spectacle. Celebrations start at dawn and continue for the whole day.

In the Czech lands the autumnal equinox is represented by the festival of Dožínky,and similar harvest festivals occur throughout the Slavic realms. Czech archaeologist Jaroslav Řídký suggests that the historic Czech neolithic circles – rondely – constructed between 4900 and 4600 BC, had similar astronomical functions, including determining the date of the autumnal equinox. While he admits that not enough evidence survives to test his claim further research is ongoing.

Knowth however hides another secret: ‘Experts’ on Wikipaedia, claim that the world’s oldest sundial is Egyptian, and dates from 1500 B.C. They are ignorant of a more sophisticated precursor carved in stone on one of the kerbs surrounding the main mound at Knowth dating from 3000 B.C. Both are illustrated on the reverse of this page – judge for yourselves!

The actual date of the Autumn solstice this year was 22^nd September. The Wild Geese Society celebrated it in the usual manner in conjunction with our friends in the Czech/Irish Business and Cultural Association.

Note: 1. As well as the solstices and equinoxes, the other four feast days fell on 1^st February, 1^st May, 1^st August and 1^st November. When the Celts arrived in Ireland they renamed these feasts Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasadh and Samhain.