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What Is Ostara? (Click Underlined Terms to Access a Pagan Glossary)
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| Around March 21 most
modern pagans observe Ostara (A.K.A. Spring
Equinox, Springtide, Alban Eiler) as a minor sabbat
(or esbat).
Ostara has fuzzier historical roots than do major sabbats such as Beltane and Samhain. Nonetheless, it has been adequately established that most ancient pagan cultures throughout Europe and elsewhere gathered annually to celebrate the coming of spring. At such gatherings symbols of spring and summer bounty--such as brightly colored eggs-- were commonly displayed. As with most early cultures, fertility (of humans, crops, and livestock) was a coveted asset and a perennial theme of ritual. The spring equinox celebration was no exception. Consequently the rabbit (an apt symbol of fertility) was adopted as a mascot for that particular time of year. It takes no great deductive skill or imagination to realize the remnants of these traditions in modern society. To learn more about Ostara visit the following sites: The Witches' Voice: A Quick Intro to Ostara
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