Ostara
Ostara is a festival that celebrates the Spring Equinox, marking the balance between light and dark as the days begin to lengthen. It is one of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year. The festival is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre (or Ostara), a deity associated with dawn, fertility, and renewal. Her name is believed to be the root of the word “Easter.” According to lore, she was honored by ancient Germanic tribes, though historical records of her worship are scarce.
The story of Eostre tells of a hare that wanted to impress the goddess and laid a colorful egg as a gift. This myth is thought to be one of the origins of the modern Easter Bunny and egg traditions. The equinox itself has been celebrated in many cultures, including ancient Celts, Norse, Romans (as the festival of Cybele and Attis), and Greeks (celebrating Persephone’s return from the Underworld).
Symbolism
Ostara represents:
Balance – The day and night are equal, symbolizing harmony and transition.
Fertility & Growth – The land awakens, and animals begin to reproduce, representing abundance.
Renewal & Rebirth – Nature comes back to life after winter’s dormancy.
Hares & Rabbits – Sacred to Eostre, they symbolize fertility and new beginnings.
Eggs – Represent the cosmic egg, potential, and creation.
Flowers & Seeds – Represent the blossoming of life and future growth.
Rituals & Traditions:
Ostara can be celebratedwith rituals that honor renewal and nature. Common practices include:
Egg Decorating – Symbolizing fertility, transformation, and life’s potential.
Planting Seeds – Starting a garden or planting herbs to welcome new growth.
Sunrise Celebrations – Watching the sun rise to honor the returning light.
Balancing Eggs – A fun tradition said to work due to the Earth’s equal energy at the equinox.
Feasting – Eating fresh greens, dairy, honey, and eggs to embrace spring’s bounty.
Altar Decoration – Using flowers, pastel colors, and representations of hares, eggs, and birds.
Cleansing & Renewal – Spring cleaning the home and performing personal purification rituals.