Ostara

Ostara is the celebration of the Spring (Vernal) Equinox when day and night balance. Astronomically, the sun crosses the celestial equator at this time. Held in late March, the actual date can vary from year-to-year as with the Autumnal Equinox and the two Solstices. The Vernal Equinox usually falls on March 20 or 21. Always check your almanac for your time zone. Called Ostara after the Saxon Goddess Eostre, this is a time of renewal, regeneration and resurrection as the Earth wakes from her long slumber. This is the time of planting, children, and young animals. It is the fertility of the Earth that we celebrate, and we symbolize this new life springing from sun and soil with eggs, chicks, lambs, and rabbits (all symbols of the Great Mother).

Ostara promises freedom form the dreariness of winters, it heralds the return of hope and dreams. With the days lengthening, we fill our lungs with fresh air and drink the pungent cleansing teas that clear our bodies from the heavy foods of winter.

During Ostara, you can paint eggs just like Easter, and once your eggs are done and you've hidden/found them, you crack them open with a wish for the year in mind (Don't worry, it's boiled! And use food coloring to paint the eggs.) and you eat the egg while making a wish.

My family celebrates Ostara similar to Easter, with eggs, candy, chocolate bunnies, etc. The only difference is that we're thanking Mother Earth in the process!