Since the Earth's axis is tilted by 23.5 degrees relative to the orbit in which the Earth revolves around the Sun, at different times of the revolution (1 year) the two hemispheres of the Earth receive a different amount of light and at different angles, which determines the Seasons. They are most pronounced in the temperate zone.
In general, during the Earth's revolution around the Sun, there are 4 significant points - two in which the Earth's axis is not tilted relative to the Sun and 2 points in which the Earth's axis is maximally tilted towards the Sun.
The position in which the Earth's axis is not tilted towards the Sun is called the Equinox and occurs around March 20-21 - Spring Equinox and September 22-23 - Autumn Equinox. And when the axis is maximally tilted towards the Sun, this is called the Solstice and occurs on June 20-21 – Summer Solstice and December 21-22 – Winter Solstice.
Here are the exact dates and times of the equinoxes and solstices for 2025 in Bulgaria:
March 20 11:01 a.m. – Spring Equinox – Spring begins
June 21 05:42 a.m. – Summer Solstice – Summer begins
September 22 9:20 p.m. – Autumn Equinox – Autumn begins
December 21 5:03 p.m. – Winter Solstice – Winter begins
Customs and Legends Related to the Equinox or Solstice
In reality, perhaps the closest Bulgarian custom to the spring equinox is Baba Marta and the tying of martenitsa. They symbolize the arrival of spring and the greening of nature.
For the summer solstice, we have a very specific holiday and custom – Enyovden. Although in the official calendar it is on June 24, in reality the real Enyovden is exactly on the night of the summer solstice. This year it falls on June 21 and the time is very convenient – 05:42. That is exactly the best time to collect herbs – early before sunrise, right on the summer solstice.
The Amazons and Enyovden
There is an interesting legend related to the Amazons who lived in ancient times in our lands and Enyovden. And usually legends are based on true stories and customs. The Amazons were a real-life society of female warriors – they lived in separate villages. There are data about such settlements inhabited by Amazons in Northeastern Bulgaria around Varna and not only there.
So on the night of Enyovden in the middle of nature in a meadow, ritual fires were lit and the Amazons mingled with the people and men from neighboring villages. There was dancing, fun and finally things ended with making babies. Only Amazons who had already killed an enemy were allowed to go to these celebrations. If the Amazon then gave birth to a girl, then they raised the child, if a boy was born, it was given up for adoption in one of their neighboring villages.
Related to the Autumn Equinox is Krastov Den, it is celebrated on September 14th. According to folk beliefs, on this day "the sun turns to winter". The weather becomes cooler, and people begin the autumn crops. On this day, no work is done, but candles are lit for health. Also, people say that on this day, day and night intersect in the sky and are equal.
One of the most revered holidays by Christians (and not only by them) is associated with the winter solstice - Christmas Eve and Christmas. At that time, in the northern hemisphere, the sun is already at its lowest point, the day was the shortest and begins to grow - which symbolizes rebirth and new life. It is no coincidence that Christmas is celebrated then.
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