Known as the spring equinox – or vernal equinox if you prefer its official title – it’s one of just two days of the year when the point of balance between light and dark is the same ...

With roots extending back over 3,000 years to the era of Zoroastrianism, Nowruz heralds the arrival of spring and is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox, usually March 20 or 21.

Spring is almost here — officially, at least. The vernal equinox arrives on Thursday, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere and the fall in the Southern Hemisphere.