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Ostara
Spring Equinox/ Ostara
Held on Vernal (Spring) Equinox Date,
Usually March 20 or 21
The Spring Equinox, or Ostara, is the first of the
Spring & Summer fertility festivals, when we celebrate the
return of the Earth's fecundity, along with the return
of the Sun. Ostara is the ancient holiday after which the Christian
Easter is fashioned; the symbols, such as eggs, baby chicks & lambs, and rabbits are all ancient symbols of fertility and
rebirth. The word 'estrus,' which indicates an
animal's period of 'heat,' or readiness to breed, is from
the same root word as Ostara, and sure enough,
the majority of domesticated and wild animals are
beginning the breeding season at this time. Ostara is a joyous
festival, marking the true end of Winter.
Symbolism includes eggs, baby animals, Spring blossoms,
and rabbits. Ostara colors include pastels and green. It is an
ancient practice to decorate boiled eggs, and to
decorate the altar and the home with the
first blossoms of the season: daffodils, crocus, tulips, and
others. Make sure Spring cleaning is finished.
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