{"id":21980,"date":"2020-03-10T01:10:15","date_gmt":"2020-03-10T05:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=21980"},"modified":"2020-03-09T11:37:43","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T15:37:43","slug":"things-to-do-with-the-kids-this-spring-equinox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2020\/03\/10\/things-to-do-with-the-kids-this-spring-equinox\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do with the Kids this Spring Equinox"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Spring Equinox is also called the Vernal Equinox and is when day and night are roughly equal. It\u2019s the halfway point between the winter solstice and the summer solstice. After the Spring equinox, the light increases a little every day, although the way up to the longest day of the summer solstice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In the Northern hemisphere, the spring equinox is on Thursday the 19<\/span><\/span>th<\/span><\/span><\/sup> and Friday the 20<\/span><\/span>th<\/span><\/span><\/sup> March, depending on location.<\/a> In the Southern hemisphere, this is the autumnal equinox. The spring equinox for the Southern hemisphere will be on Tuesday 22<\/span><\/span>nd<\/span><\/span><\/sup> September. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Spring Equinox is a great time to get kids involved with pagan activities, especially because for many of us, the weather is improving, and we can spend more time outdoors. Here are just a few ideas to try out with your kids. Tell us your own ideas in the comments or on our social media!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Visit a Farm<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We are lucky enough to have an \u201cUrban Farm<\/a>\u201d nearby, which means it\u2019s just a very short trip out of the city to see farm animals and some incredible wildlife. At this time of year, there are plenty of lambs about, plus chicken, goats, cows, ducks and more. Some farms put events on at this time of year, everything from egg hunts to watching the animals get fed. It\u2019s a great way for kids to start understanding the turn of the wheel of the year and the seasons in terms of other living creatures.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Tell Stories<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Spring is about growth and creation. What\u2019s your favourite creation story? Do you have a myth or a legend about a spring-related deity? Sharing these stories, myths, or legends is a way to bond as a family (or with friends) and to talk about your spirituality in an inclusive context. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Take a Walk<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, you can do this at any time of year. But in spring time, it\u2019s great to look out for new leaves, flowers, even the first returning creatures like bees or (depending on the climate) butterflies. Little artists can take a sketch pad and pencils and draw their favourite things. Take some photos on your phone to keep as happy memories. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dye Eggs<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Eggs are more of an Easter thing (contrary to popular belief, Easter was not stolen from pagans!) but eggs are a great fertility and growth symbol, and strongly associated with the spring equinox. Some people celebrate the neopagan festival Ostara by sharing different kinds of eggs. Dying eggs is easy. You can boil them in a pan of water or food colouring, or use natural dyes:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n