Autumn Equinox | 秋分

On 23 September this year, we mark 秋分 (Qiūfēn), the Autumn Equinox, one of the 24 traditional solar terms in the Chinese calendar. At this moment, day and night are equal in length, symbolising balance and harmony between yin and yang. It is a turning point in the year: after the equinox, nights grow longer than days, and the world slowly moves towards winter.

🌾 Traditions and Meanings

In ancient China, the Autumn Equinox was both a festival of harvest and a time of offering thanks. Families honoured the earth and sky, giving thanks for the year’s crops and praying for peace through the coming colder months. In some regions, people offered sacrifices to the moon or enjoyed gatherings under its light, anticipating the Mid-Autumn Festival soon to come.

The equinox was also a time to reflect on balance: not only the balance in nature, but also within ourselves — between work and rest, giving and receiving, body and spirit.

🥮 Foods of the Season

Traditional foods around 秋分 emphasise nourishment and grounding energy. In northern China, it was common to eat dumplings, while in the south, families enjoyed seasonal fruits like pears, persimmons, and pomegranates. These foods symbolise abundance and the sweetness of reunion.

🌍 A Bridge of Seasons

For MBL, the Autumn Equinox is more than a solar term — it is a reminder of our mission: to build bridges of love and understanding across cultures and communities. Just as day and night find balance, we too seek to bring balance and harmony between East and West, and between children and families around the world.

As we enter this season of harvest and reflection, let us pause to appreciate the fruits of our own journeys, and to share warmth with those around us. May this Autumn Equinox bring balance, peace, and abundance to all.