Fun Facts – 01 September 2015

Happy first day of spring! Here are some fun facts about the season.
– The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox. The term vernal is Latin for “spring” and equinox is Latin for “equal night.”

– The autumn and spring equinoxes are the only two times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west.

– The first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere is the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

– The first spring flowers are typically lilacs, irises, lilies, tulips, daffodils, and dandelions.

– If Earth rotated on an axis perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the sun rather than on a 23.4º tilt, there would be no variation in day lengths and no variation in seasons.

– The early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising sun on the spring equinox.

– The myth that it is possible to balance an egg on its end on the spring equinox is just that: a myth. Trying to balance an oval-shaped object on its end is no easier on the spring equinox than on any other day.

– According to Greek myth, the return of spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) coincides with the return of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who is the goddess of plants and fertility.

– The term “spring fever” refers to a both psychological and physiological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring, including restlessness, daydreaming, and increased sexual appetite. While the exact cause is unclear, scientists believe that increased light, more exercise, and more bare skin influence hormone levels.

– During the spring, birds are more vocal as they sing to attract mates and warn away rivals.

Courtesy of facts.randomhistory.com