Cross-quarter day

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A cross-quarter day is a day falling approximately halfway between a solstice and an equinox. These days originated as pagan holidays in Northern Europe and the British Isles, and survive in modern times as neopagan holidays. The cross-quarter days were also independently developed in East Asia as four of the 24 Solar Terms.

In some cultures, including ancient Irish and East Asian cultures, the cross-quarter days mark the beginning of each season (see traditional seasons). In others, including the modern United States', the cross-quarter days mark the middle of each season (see astronomical seasons).

5-10 November: Samhain, 立冬 (lìdōng)
- Between Midautumn and Midwinter
- Traditional winter begins
- Middle of astronomical autumn
2-7 February: Imbolc, 立春 (lìchūn)
- Between Midwinter and Midspring
- Traditional spring begins
- Middle of astronomical winter
4-10 May: Beltane, 立夏 (lìxià)
- Between Midspring and Midsummer
- Traditional summer begins
- Middle of astronomical spring
3-10 August: Lughnasadh, 立秋 (lìqiū)
- Between Midsummer and Midautumn
- Traditional autumn begins
- Middle of astronomical summer

[edit] Neo-paganism

Main article: Wheel of the year

Together with the solstices and equinoxes (Yule, Ostara, Midsummer, and Mabon), these form the eight solar holidays in the neopagan wheel of the year. They are often celebrated on the evening before the listed date, since traditionally the new day was considered to begin at sunset rather than at midnight.

Festival name	Date	Sun's Position
Samhain	1 Nov (alt. 5-10 Nov)	≈ 15° ♏
Imbolc	2 Feb (alt. 2-7 Feb)	≈ 15° ♒
Beltane	1 May (alt. 4-10 May)	≈ 15° ♉
Lughnasadh	1 Aug (alt. 3-10 Aug)	≈ 15° ♌

There are Christian and secular holidays that correspond roughly with each of these four, and some argue that historically they originated as adaptations of the pagan holidays, although the matter is not agreed upon. The corresponding holidays are: