June 1st is one of the happiest days for kids in Russia — it’s the first day of summer. But in the U.S. and most of Europe, summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21st.
And autumn? In Russia and much of the CIS, it arrives on September 1st, but in the West, it doesn’t start until September 22 or 23.
Why the difference? It all comes down to how we measure time.
Calendar Seasons vs. Astronomical Seasons
In Russia, seasons are tied to the calendar. The 1st of the month marks the start of something new: a new month, a new season, a new school year.
In Europe and the U.S., the approach is more natural. Seasons change according to astronomical events: the equinoxes and solstices.
This method reflects the true rhythm of Earth’s orbit. After all, seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis relative to the Sun.
When one hemisphere leans toward the Sun, it experiences spring and summer, while the opposite hemisphere gets autumn and winter. These shifts happen exactly at the solstices and equinoxes — making them the “real” seasonal turning points.
A Global Patchwork of Seasons
Of course, our perception depends on where we live. For someone from Russia, it feels odd that June to August is considered winter in New Zealand. But for people in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s completely natural.
Similarly, Americans might find it unusual that Russians celebrate the start of autumn on September 1st instead of waiting for the equinox. Yet both approaches — calendar and astronomical — are valid in their own way.
Historically, people also used other markers, like church holidays or folk traditions, to define seasonal changes. Today, while scientists stick to astronomy or meteorological data (temperature averages), most people simply follow their calendars for convenience.
Which Is Better? So, which system makes more sense — astronomical or calendar-based? The scientific accuracy of the equinoxes and solstices, or the simplicity of turning a page on the calendar? Maybe the answer depends on whether you prefer cosmic precision or everyday practicality.
