TAKE A BREAK!
A SPRING IN OUR STEP
Understanding and Celebrating the Equinox The sun is out, trees are green again, and flowers are in bloom. These are all ways we know spring is here. The more analytical among us, though, may look to the calendar. The spring equinox falls on March 20, 2023, and officially marks the beginning of the season. Most Americans know we have two equinoxes each year, one for fall and spring. We also have summer and winter solstices. But what do those days mean — and who decides when they’ll take place? The word “equinox” comes from Latin and means “equal night,” and when it happens depends on the rotation of the earth’s axis. The sun sits above the equator on the two equinoxes, creating 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Each day will get progressively longer until the summer solstice when they gradually become shorter. The summer and winter solstices mark the longest and shortest days of sunlight each year. While everyone around the world is affected by the equinox, we are not all affected equally. The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, will only take place on March 20 for the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the date will mark the fall equinox, and days will begin getting shorter. It happens because our planet is on a tilt; the equinoxes are the only two days of the year both hemispheres experience equal sunlight. Since humans have long preferred brightness and warmer weather to darkness and cold, people have made the day a cause for celebration for centuries. The ancient Romans marked the day by honoring a fierce goddess, while the Shang Dynasty in China believed it was the day they were divinely called upon to rule their people. Persians long used the holiday to praise their religious leaders, while Iranians still celebrate it as their new year, Nowruz. The spring equinox continues to hold significance in some faiths, but there are also secular ways to celebrate the day. You might use the equinox as a day to get outdoors or plant new life. Some people enjoy celebrating with a feast or bonfire. The equinox could also mark the beginning of your spring-cleaning! Whether or not you officially celebrate, we can all be glad for warmer days ahead.
SOLUTION ON PAGE 4
FETA CHICKEN BURGERS Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise BURGERS: • 1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper • 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Greek seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese • 6 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
Directions
1. Preheat broiler and mix chopped cucumber and mayonnaise. 2. For the burgers, mix the red pepper, garlic powder, Greek seasoning, and black pepper. Add chicken and cheese; mix lightly but thoroughly (the mixture will be sticky). Shape into 6 patties about 1/2-inch thick. 3. Broil burgers, remembering to cook both sides thoroughly. Serve on buns with cucumber sauce. If desired, top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy!
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