| Ostara / Spring Equinox |
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| Ostara/Spring Equinox Other names: Ostre, Mean Earraigh, Alban Eiler, Pasch, Caisg, Pesse. Date: March 20, 21 or 22, depending upon the calender. When the sun reaches 1 degree Aries. Meaning of the word: Germanic dawn deity meaning "the month of beginnings or the month of openings". Primary ritual focus: Fertility, sunrise ceremonies, offerings to the Goddess of spring. Age of holiday: 3000 B.C. or older. Popular Mythos: Return of the Goddess from the underworld (Persephone). Astrological sign: 1 degree Aries; fire; fixed. Planetary Ruler: Mars. |
| The custom of giving eggs on Ostara was known to the early Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Gauls. The symbol of life, the egg stands for our cosmic universe. The practice of colouring the eggs also date back to ancient civilizations. The Persians dyed theirs red, where folks in other countries chose a variety of colours obtained by boiling the eggs with flowers or vegetables to achieve unique colouring. From foodstuff and symbol of new life to courtly art object to household decoration to focus for juvenile games, the Easter egg has travelled a very long way. |
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