Ostara is the celebration of new life and rebirth. The balance of the Goddess and God, the fertility of the earth and animals, and the balance of day with night; These are the main concepts that have been incorporated into celebratory rituals.
It is spring and the earth is growing young plants, more flowers are beginning to bloom, the warmth of the sun and the waking of the earth is here! Animals are out frolicking, preparing to give birth to babies, crops and seeds are planted to prepare for the harvests of summer. The Goddess and God are in their aspects of Youth, the Maiden and Consort, as the day and night are in balance, the Goddess and God are balanced and equal in their regards.
Ostara is named for the Goddess Eostre or Ostre. She is a European Goddess of spring and rebirth. Eggs are decorated, cakes are made as offerings to her and placed in thanks to honor her life renewing qualities and gifts. Eostre could take on the guise of a white rabbit, so rabbits were sacred to her and may also be used in the symbolism of the spring rites.
Eggs have been a symbol of rebirth and life through out ancient times. Many cultures, Egyptian, Greek, Germanic, to name a few, have used eggs as a symbol of birth, as well as rebirth... dating back to early “bird goddess’”. The belief of reincarnation can be recognized along with the flow and tides of nature.
