Ostara
Eggs and Spring: A Satirical Ode
Eggs in hand, women rise,
Spring’s new bloom meets watchful eyes.
Crack them gently, stir with grace,
Juggle life, no time to waste.
Balance, they say, with smiles so bright,
Yet eggs and tasks both crack in flight.
In pastel hues, they keep the beat
Spring’s renewal, life’s full feat.
Ostara: The Spring Equinox Celebration
Ostara, named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, celebrates the arrival of spring and the return of the sun’s warmth. It is a festival rooted in ancient traditions that honors balance, fertility, and new beginnings. The Spring Equinox, when day and night are equal, signifies harmony and the perfect time to plant seeds—both literally in the earth and metaphorically in one’s life.
Historical Origins of Ostara
The roots of Ostara can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions, particularly those of the Celts and Germanic peoples. The goddess Eostre (or Ostara) was associated with dawn, fertility, and rebirth. Her symbols, including eggs, rabbits, and flowers, became intertwined with the customs we associate with modern-day Easter. The festival was a time to celebrate the return of light and the Earth’s fertility, a promise of renewal after the cold, dark months of winter.
Symbols and Traditions
Eggs and Rabbits: Eggs are one of the most iconic symbols of Ostara. They represent new life, fertility, and potential. Decorating eggs or placing them on an altar is a common practice. Rabbits, too, are linked to fertility, and their lively nature makes them a symbol of the season’s playful energy.
Flowers and Plants: Springtime flowers like daffodils, crocuses, and primroses bloom during this period, symbolizing the awakening of nature. People often adorn their homes with fresh flowers to honor the Earth’s renewal.
The Colors of Ostara: Pastel colors—soft pinks, greens, yellows, and purples—are common, reflecting the lightness and new growth of spring.
Seeds and Planting: Ostara is the time to plant seeds for the coming year’s crops, both literally and figuratively. It’s a great time for setting new intentions and making plans for growth, whether in a garden or in one’s personal life.
Fire and Sun: The Sun is a vital symbol of Ostara. People may light candles or small fires to honor the Sun’s growing strength as it pushes the darkness of winter away. The Sun represents light, energy, and vitality.
Rituals and Celebrations
Balancing the Equinox: Given the equal balance of day and night during the Spring Equinox, this is a time to reflect on balance in one’s life—whether it’s emotional, spiritual, or physical. Some people perform rituals to honor this balance, such as standing in the sunlight at the exact moment of the equinox.
Spring Cleaning: It’s a time of renewal, so many people use Ostara as a chance to “cleanse” their homes, both physically and energetically. This can be a good time to clear out clutter, refresh sacred spaces, or organize thoughts and intentions.
Feasts: A common tradition for Ostara is a seasonal feast, featuring fresh fruits, spring vegetables, and herbal teas. It’s a time to celebrate the abundance of the Earth.
Personal Reflection and Growth
Ostara is not just about external growth but also personal development. The balance of day and night invites a time for introspection. What has been lying dormant within you during the winter months? Now is the time to take those ideas, dreams, or projects that have been germinating in your heart and begin to bring them into the light.