Ostara is a modern pagan festival celebrated around the time of the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st. It is a time of renewal and rebirth, as the days start to get longer and the weather becomes milder. The festival is named after the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, Ostara or Eostre, who is associated with the hare and the egg.

 

The origins of Ostara can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations of the spring equinox, such as the Roman festival of Hilaria and the Saxon festival of Eostre. The festival is a celebration of the return of life to the earth after the long, dark winter months. It is a time to plant seeds, start new projects, and set intentions for the coming year.

 

Ostara is often celebrated with rituals and ceremonies that focus on the themes of rebirth and renewal. These may include lighting candles, burning incense, and decorating altars with spring flowers, such as daffodils and tulips. Some traditions involve coloring eggs, which are seen as symbols of fertility and new life. The colors used are often bright and cheerful, such as pink, yellow, and green.

 

Ostara is also a time for feasting and sharing food with friends and family. Traditional foods associated with the festival include hot cross buns, honey cakes, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Some pagans also choose to fast or abstain from certain foods in order to purify their bodies and spirits for the coming year.

 

Overall, Ostara is a joyous celebration of the changing seasons and the renewal of life. It is a time to connect with nature, set new intentions, and welcome the light and warmth of spring into our lives.