In Japan, Autumnal Equinox Day is a national holiday. In Japanese, it’s known as Shubun no Hi (秋分の日), according to Coto Japanese Academy. The roots of the celebration are thought to go back to Shintoism and Buddhism.

During an equinox, places around the globe experience nearly equal amounts of daytime and nighttime. The second occurrence this year happens on Sunday.

The fall equinox is a magical and enlightening moment when we honor the earth. We are given equal hours of day and night, setting the change in foliage, hopes, and relationships for the months ahead.