Ostara, also known as Ostarz, is a pagan tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring. It is typically observed on the vernal equinox, which falls around March 21st, and is a time of new beginnings and fertility. In this pagan tradition, Ostara is associated with the Germanic goddess of the same name, who represents the dawn and the rebirth of nature after the long winter. The name Ostara is derived from an ancient Germanic word meaning "shining light" or "east," which signifies the direction of the rising sun and the return of warmth and light. During Ostara, pagans engage in various rituals and customs to honor the season of renewal. One common practice is to participate in a sunrise ritual, where individuals gather at a sacred space to greet the rising sun.
Ostara is a time of renewal and rebirth, and there are many traditional ways to celebrate this powerful time of year. Whether you choose to decorate eggs, plant seeds, feast with friends and family, cleanse your space, or honour the Goddess and God, there are endless ways to connect with the energy of spring and embrace the new beginnings it brings.
For Ostara, celebrate with foods that honor the the coming of spring eggs, early spring greens, shoots and sprouts, and of course, the all-important marshmallow Peep. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.
One common practice is to participate in a sunrise ritual, where individuals gather at a sacred space to greet the rising sun. This symbolizes the awakening of nature and the promise of a new day. Another important aspect of Ostara is the tradition of decorating eggs.
Celebrating Ostara, 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 July 03, 2019With the arrival of March comes the promise of spring—the month is said to roar in like a lion, and if we're really lucky, roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on or around the 21st of the month, we have Ostara to celebrate. It's the time of the vernal equinox if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it's a true marker that Spring and warmer, sunnier days have come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this Sabbat, depending on your tradition.
Eggs are seen as symbols of fertility and new life, and they are often dyed and decorated with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Participants may also engage in egg rolling competitions, where eggs are rolled down a hill and the winner is determined by whose egg travels the farthest without breaking. Additionally, flowers play a significant role in Ostara celebrations. Participants may create flower crowns or wreaths to wear during rituals, or gather a bouquet of fresh flowers to decorate their homes and altars. The blooming of flowers represents the blossoming of life and the vitality of the natural world. Food is also an important aspect of Ostara. Many pagans partake in a feast that includes seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which are thought to carry the energy of the earth's renewal. Traditional dishes may include fresh greens, lamb, eggs, and honey, all of which represent fertility and abundance. Overall, Ostarz pagan traditions are rooted in the celebration of spring and the resurgence of life. Through rituals, decorations, and feasting, pagans honor the season of rebirth and express gratitude for the Earth's continual cycle of death and renewal..
Reviews for "Ostara Crafts for Children: Teaching Pagan Traditions to the Next Generation"
- Karen - 1/5 stars: I recently attended an Ostarz pagan traditions gathering and I must say, it was a complete disappointment. The lack of organization and proper planning was evident from the start. The event was advertised as a celebration of ancient pagan traditions, but instead, it felt like a disorganized gathering of people with no clear structure. The speaker lacked knowledge and seemed more interested in pushing their own agenda rather than providing any meaningful information. Overall, it was a complete waste of time and money.
- Michael - 2/5 stars: The Ostarz pagan traditions event had potential, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. The organization and logistics were a mess, with long waiting times and disorganized activities. The information provided during the gathering was limited and lacked depth. It felt more like a rushed overview of pagan traditions rather than a comprehensive exploration. Additionally, the event lacked a sense of community and inclusivity, which is a fundamental aspect of pagan traditions. Overall, it left me wanting more and feeling unsatisfied.
- Jessica - 2/5 stars: I had high hopes for the Ostarz pagan traditions gathering, but it failed to meet my expectations. The event lacked structure and cohesion, making it difficult to follow and engage with the activities. The speakers seemed unprepared and lacked depth in their knowledge of pagan traditions. Moreover, the event layout was confusing, with overlapping activities and inadequate signage. I left feeling confused and disappointed, wishing that I had gained more insight into the pagan traditions that were promised.