In pagan mythology, the goddess of spring holds a significant role in the cycle of seasons and the renewal of life. Known by various names such as Ostara, Eostre, or Persephone, she represents the vibrancy and abundance that comes with the arrival of spring. Ostara, associated with the Germanic tradition, is believed to bring fertility, rebirth, and growth to the natural world. As the days lengthen and the Earth awakens from its wintry slumber, Ostara's presence is felt in the budding of flowers, the sprouting of new leaves, and the arrival of baby animals. Her arrival is celebrated during the spring equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing the equilibrium between light and darkness. Eostre, another goddess associated with spring, has roots in Anglo-Saxon and Old English folklore.
Jakob Grimm, in his Teutonic Mythology, maintained that "Ostara, Eástre, was goddess of the growing light of spring." Holy water in the form of the dew, or water collected from brooks, was gathered at this time; washing with it was said to restore youth. Beautiful maidens in sheer white were said to seen frolicking in the country side. Also according to Grimm, the white maiden of Osterrode was said to appear with a large batch of keys at her belt, and stride to the brook to collect water on Easter morning.
Jacob Grimm, one of the two Brothers Grimm, wrote Esotre seems therefore to have been the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing, whose meaning could be easily adapted by the resurrection-day of the Christian s God. Whether Eostre was really worshipped as a goddess or not, by the 19th century she had become an important part of German culture and she was added into German literature, paintings, and folklore.
Eostre, another goddess associated with spring, has roots in Anglo-Saxon and Old English folklore. She is often depicted with a hare or rabbit, symbolizing fertility. The association between Eostre and Easter is believed to have originated in the merging of pagan and Christian traditions, where the celebration of Christ's resurrection coincided with the rejuvenation of the Earth.
Deities of the Spring Equinox
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on April 29, 2019Spring is a time of great celebration in many cultures. It's the time of year when the planting begins, people begin to once more enjoy the fresh air, and we can reconnect with the earth again after the long, cold winter. A number of different gods and goddesses from different pantheons are connected with the themes of Spring and Ostara. Here's a look at some of the many deities associated with spring, rebirth, and new life each year.
In Greek mythology, Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, is captured by Hades and forced to spend part of the year in the realm of the dead. When she returns to the world above, spring arrives, and the Earth becomes alive with blossoms and greenery. Persephone's return signifies the end of winter and the promise of warmth and abundance. The pagan goddess of spring embodies the essence of new beginnings and the vitality that comes with the changing seasons. She reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the constant flow of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. As we witness the transformation of nature around us, we are reminded to embrace the energy of spring and allow it to inspire our own personal growth and renewal..
Reviews for "The Pagan Goddess of Spring in Folklore and Folk Traditions"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Pagan Goddess of Spring". The plot was predictable and unoriginal, offering nothing new or exciting. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and bland, failing to capture my attention or draw me into the story. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read and would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Pagan goddess of Spring", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow and the story lacked any real sense of urgency or tension. The romance felt forced and unrealistic, with little development or chemistry between the main characters. Furthermore, the dialogue was often cheesy and cliché, making it hard for me to take the story seriously. While the concept had potential, the execution was lackluster, leaving me ultimately unsatisfied.
3. Michael - 1.5 stars
"Pagan Goddess of Spring" may have an intriguing premise, but the execution was poor. The writing was riddled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structure, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The world-building was also lacking, leaving many aspects of the plot and characters unexplained and underdeveloped. I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the book, as it failed to hold my interest. Overall, I was disappointed by this read and would not recommend it to others.