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David,
I don't know about ancients in the Southern hemisphere,
but in the Northern one some celebrated it: the year started 
at the spring equinox (or around it) in some societies. For example, the ancient Roman calendars
started the year in March (which is still reflected in the modern English names of the months:
September means 7th October 8-th and so on. So the first one is March. 

The reason they choose an equinox rather then a solstice  is that probably equinox is easier
to detect precisely with such a simple tool as a gnomon.

Alex.






I am posting this message a few hours late but never mind..........     .

Several hours ago the sun's dec was 0� 0'. Now it is about 5' south. Down here 
in  41S  175 E it is an exciting day. First, as I  have mentioned, it is the 
spring equinox. Secondly, in the early hours of tomorrow morning daylight 
saving time starts. Thirdly today is election day.

It must be "couples day" because as we walked hand in hand to the polling 
booth we noticed large numbers of other couples doing the same thing.  The 
sun is behind cloud so sights are not possible but the temperature is 
increasing and I am considering changing into short sleeve shirts. I am part 
way through mowing the lawns.

Did the ancients celebrate the equinox or was it just the solstice?

   

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