Spring equinox coincides with 4 holy celebrations

[Im The Truth]

Spring equinox coincides with 4 holy celebrations
Peter Christopher pchristopher@trinidadexpress.com
Sunday, March 23rd 2008
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index...s?id=161297421

THE DATE of March 21 has commonly been associated with spring solstice or the equinox. To many, the date may simply be associated with the centre of the sun lining up directly above the Earth's equator, allowing day and night to be almost equivalent in length.

This year however, the day has tied numerous religious activities together, as four of the country's religions mark significant events on or around the date.

For members of the Christian faith, the date served as Good Friday, marking the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion while Easter, the celebration of his resurrection, will occur today.

Hindus celebrated Holi or Phagwa, the festival of spring, while members of the Islamic community also observed Eid Milad-un-Nabi, commemorating the birth of the prophet Muhammad.

This weekend will also see the celebration of the Orisha festival of Obaluaye today.

Pundit Mukram Sirju, president of the Inter Religious Organisation, sees the convening of these numerous religious events as a positive omen for the country.

"I think it is wonderful for the country. Maybe it is divine intervention that these festivals have come together on this weekend, because it would allow the nation to be combined in prayer. This extended weekend is really a powerful weekend," said Sirju.

He hoped that the religious significance of the long weekend would not be lost to the public, a sentiment that was shared by Catholic priest, Fr Clyde Harvey.

"I hope it is not seen as just another holiday, another day to go to the beach. Transformation has to take place in the human heart. Not just the meaning is significant, but the effect the meaning has on the individual must be looked at. I can see a young man wearing a cross, I know what it means but I don't know if the cross has any effect on his lifestyle," said Harvey.

The equinox or spring solstice (March 21) has always held a strong connection to religion, albeit lost in recent years. Some have theorised that the Christian celebration of Easter was actually rooted in pagan celebrations of the equinox before evolving around the death of Christ.

Phagwa, the Hindu festival, is called the spring festival in some parts of India and is closely connected to changing weather between the seasons, which would cause the spread of viruses. The throwing of coloured powder is of medical significance as the powders were traditionally made of medicinal herbs.

Sirju hoped that whatever the cause of the celebration this weekend, the people of Trinidad and Tobago would take the opportunity to better themselves.

"Better individuals, better communities, a better country," he said.

[tyydae]

There is also something incredibly special about those individuals born on March 21. The Universe shows them favor, as well as all else. This has been proven.

[Im The Truth]

There are only days on the calendar like this too. The equinoxes (sp?) are and have always been holiday like or special times across cultures all across the planet.

[tyydae]

Originally Posted by Im The Truth

There are only days on the calendar like this too.

Huh? Break this down for me.

[Im The Truth]

Sorry I meant, their are other days like this one on the calendar too.

[Warrior Princess]

"Morning...
The moon pass the sun Four constellations start forming/
A cross up in the sky /But everybody wanna ask me why"

Erykah Badu