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What is Autumnal Equinox? When is the Autumnal Equinox 2022?

The Autumn Equinox, also known as the 13th solar term of the year, marks the beginning of fall. Discover when the Autumn Equinox 2022 commences and explore the significance of this seasonal transition.

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11 July, 2024

The 24 solar terms are specific times of the year designated by ancient Chinese based on seasonal changes and natural phenomena. Even today, these terms are still widely used not only in China but also in many other Asian countries.

1. Understanding the Autumn Begins

Autumn Begins marks the start of autumn

What is Autumn Begins?

The 24 solar terms are determined by the sun’s position at specific longitudes. Starting from 0° to 345°, each 15° change in the sun’s longitude marks a new solar term.

Autumn Begins, or “Liqiu” in Chinese, signifies the start of autumn. “Li” means “establishment,” and “qiu” means “autumn.”

The exact date of Autumn Begins is when the sun reaches the longitude of 135°, usually falling between August 7th and 9th on the Gregorian calendar.

The Significance of Autumn Begins

Autumn Begins marks the transition from summer to autumn. It signals the end of scorching heat and heavy rainfall. Instead, the weather gradually turns cooler and drier, and the sky takes on a gloomy hue.

Additionally, Autumn Begins often falls in the seventh lunar month, which is considered the “ghost month” in folk belief. It is believed that this month sees an increase in inauspicious occurrences.

2. When is Autumn Begins in 2022?

Autumn Begins in 2022 starts on August 7th

In 2022, Autumn Begins will commence on Sunday, August 7th, on the Gregorian calendar, corresponding to July 10th (the tenth day of the seventh lunar month) in the lunar calendar, or the Year of the Tiger.

3. Check out the auspicious and inauspicious times for Autumn Begins 2022

Auspicious and Inauspicious Hours on Autumn Begins

Information on auspicious and inauspicious hours during Autumn Begins 2022

On August 7, 2022, take note of the following times:

Auspicious Hours:

Hour of the Dragon (Chen Shi): 3 AM to 5 AM
Hour of the Snake (Si Shi): 7 AM to 9 AM
Hour of the Horse (Wu Shi): 9 AM to 11 AM
Hour of the Monkey (Shen Shi): 3 PM to 5 PM
Hour of the Rooster (You Shi): 5 PM to 7 PM
Hour of the Boar (Hai Shi): 9 PM to 11 PM

Inauspicious Hours:

Hour of the Ox (Chou Shi): 1 AM to 3 AM
Hour of the Rabbit (Mao Shi): 5 AM to 7 AM
Hour of the Horse (Wu Shi): 11 AM to 1 PM
Hour of the Goat (Wei Shi): 1 PM to 3 PM
Hour of the Dog (Xu Shi): 7 PM to 9 PM
Hour of the Rat (Zi Shi): 11 PM to 1 AM next day

Auspicious Hours for Setting Out on Autumn Begins

Auspicious hours for setting out on Autumn Begins

The following are the auspicious hours for setting out on Autumn Begins in 2022:

1 AM to 3 AM: An excellent time for setting out, bringing smooth sailing and protection to the traveler.
5 AM to 7 AM: Undertakings during this hour will be smooth. Businesspeople and those seeking wealth and fortune should travel in the west and south directions.
7 AM to 9 AM: Traveling during this hour brings good luck, and endeavors will yield positive results.
1 PM to 3 PM: Businesspeople traveling during this hour will reap great profits, and those seeking blessings and good health will have their wishes granted.
5 PM to 9 PM: An auspicious time for all undertakings.

What to Do and What Not to Do on Autumn Begins

Recommended Activities on Autumn Begins:

Recommended activities on Autumn Begins

Autumn Begins is an appropriate time for construction-related activities such as cementing a roof, repairing a storage shed, etc.

It is also advisable to prepare offerings to worship ancestors and deities, pray for blessings, and perform rituals to dispel misfortune.

Business activities like grand openings, contract signings, transactions, inventory checks, and shipping will also be prosperous during Autumn Begins.

Additionally, it is suitable for funeral-related activities such as burials, tomb transfers, and mourning rituals.

Activities to Avoid on Autumn Begins:

Autumn Begins is not an auspicious day for weddings

It is inadvisable to hold wedding-related events (engagement, betrothal, or wedding) on Autumn Begins to prevent disagreements and conflicts that may mar the joyous occasion.

As summer transitions into autumn, let’s embrace the change and work towards completing our unfinished summer goals, welcoming a peaceful autumn in the process!

Frequently asked questions

The Autumnal Equinox is one of the four astronomical events that mark the transition of the seasons. It occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in night and day being of approximately equal length all over the world.

The Autumnal Equinox will take place on September 22, 2022, in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Autumnal Equinox has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history. For example, the ancient Chinese believed that balancing an egg was easier during the equinox, while the Japanese celebrate the Higan holiday by visiting their ancestors’ graves and offering them flowers and food.

The Autumnal Equinox marks the official transition from summer to autumn. The days start to become shorter, and temperatures gradually cool down, signaling the arrival of the colorful autumn season.

Yes, the Autumnal Equinox is associated with unique scientific occurrences. For example, during the equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west, providing a perfect opportunity to observe the sun’s movement throughout the day.