Ostara, is the Spring Equinox, it is the day when we see light conquering over darkness, when our glorious Spring has returned. In addition to the historical traditions and related holidays, there is an abundance of pagan ways to mark the return of life, which may add significance to your celebration of Ostara!

Flowers are an obvious choice, I love daffodils and when I see them I am instantly reminded of my Homeland Ireland and Ostara. If there are any wildflowers growing near your home, Ostara would be an ideal time to pick some (respectfully). However, remember that many wildflowers do not survive even a single day after being placed in water, so choose your flowers wisely. You may choose to do this in connection with a nature walk. An Ostara nature walk is a great way to celebrate Mother Nature; it’s not for any other purpose such as exercise. Keep the focus where it belongs Ladies and Gents.

Your florist will certainly have a wider selection of flowers for you to choose from, whether or not flowers are in bloom in your area, I’m not sure if they plant Spring type flowers in parks in the USA, in Ireland once St Patrick’s days is over we are free to pick Daffodils from the sides of roads. Traditional choices for ostara include violets, daffodils, primrose, iris, peonies, narcissus, and cowslips. Yellow, white, and purple are most often connected with Ostara and Easter, and these would be among the colours to select for flowers and for candles. Yellow is the most traditional.

If you are interested in related traditions, check the Roman god of Attis, whose flower is the violet. His story is yet another one showing rebirth and regeneration. Ostara is an ideal time to fill a cauldron or other container with spring water, and place your flowers–or float them–where they will be seen as soon as you enter your house. My husband has bought me a huge cauldron to do exactly this and we have a wonderful stand with a chain to hang it from, Ostara is a special time for our family.

Hot cross buns are another traditional food at this time of year. Some people see the cross on top as a symbol of the Christian cross; others regard it as the traditional markings of North-South-East-West. But the hot cross bun always reminds me of Brigid and living in Ireland we were raised on Hot Cross buns for Ostara!

A lot of pagans, especially those with small children, enjoy the tradition of knocking on the ground (with their hand, stick, or wand) to “wake up” Mother Earth. This can be done ceremonially, marking a four-pointed circle/compass on the ground. The child who will do the “wake up” call starts at the southernmost point, walks to the northernmost point–representing the cold north–and knocks there. Your Children can take turns doing this, we done something similar for the Winter Solstice with a comrade and his son!

Spring-cleaning can be a family ritual also. It makes housecleaning a little more fun for children and adults alike, if they see the connection to the wheel of the year. Spring-cleaning is upon us and we have just started today March 12th!

However you choose to celebrate Ostara, remember that we are celebrating the abundance of Nature. The New Year, and promised return of life, is finally here. Enjoy!

Vicky