Ostara, or the spring equinox, will take place this year on March 20. Ostara usually aligns with Easter and changes from year to year.
This internationally celebrated holiday is not just a cause for celebration but also a cause for renewal. The coming of spring represents the turning of the wheel of the year back to light and the balance of light and darkness. As the day and night settle into equal parts of the day with daytime taking over, the northern hemisphere warms up.
Decorate
Ostara takes its name after the Germanic goddess Eostre (also called Ostara) and is celebrated with a few well-known symbols. Bunnies and eggs are in stores everywhere after Valentine’s Day. Decorate with these classic spring signs to bring about the spring spirit.
The rabbit is a symbol of fertility and rebirth with rabbits being able to reproduce at a quick rate. Eggs are a classic symbol for new life as nature starts to burst with activity coming in the warmer months. Pastel colors are also abundant in stores this time of year and they represent new life and the colors of spring. Greens and yellows and purples are all common colors to decorate with after a long hard winter.
Plant
It’s time to start planting seedlings and starters. Start your new seeds inside with a paper or cardboard egg crate and plant them into the ground outside once they grow into young plants. Try planting some spring flowers such as daffodils, violets, and primroses. If you do not have a green thumb go out and buy some flowers and bring bright and pastel colors into your home.
Clean
Welcome new life into your home by clearing out the old and putting new organization into your space. Organization and cleaning can spark feelings of a fresh start after the dreary winter months. Grab a broom and sweep out the dirt and old habits. Start in the middle of the room and sweep outward and think about what you want to bring into this new season.
Cook
This is the perfect time of year for cooking up a storm. Try some egg based dishes and desserts such as egg custard pie or try your hand at a traditional hot cross bun. The hot cross bun’s cross represents the seasons and the balance of the wheel of the year.
Gather
Ostara at its heart is a celebration of the coming of spring. There’s no better time to bring friends and congregate in the sunshine of outside. Have a picnic or host a luncheon with the windows open to invite in a cool breeze and positive energy.
Ostara’s celebrations and festivities ignite the community and individual to a new start. Following these suggestions, you can ring in Ostara with vigor.