How Many Days Until Ostara?
Ostara 2026 occurs around the Spring Equinox, Friday, March 20, 2026.
About Ostara
Ostara is a Neopagan festival celebrated at the Spring Equinox (around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere). It marks the astronomical start of spring and a time of balance when day and night are nearly equal. Ostara celebrates the awakening of the earth, fertility, new beginnings, and the triumph of light and life over darkness and winter. The name is linked to the Germanic goddess Eostre/Ostara, associated with spring and dawn.
Origins and Naming
Ostara draws inspiration from ancient traditions and modern interpretations.
Goddess Eostre/Ostara
The name Ostara comes from Eostre, a West Germanic spring goddess mentioned by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century. While historical details are sparse, she is associated with dawn, light, and spring renewal. Her symbols are often cited as eggs and hares/rabbits.
Spring Equinox Significance
Astronomically, the equinox marks the point where the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing equal day and night. This balance is a core theme, representing equilibrium before the light half of the year takes over.
Connection to Easter
The name "Easter" likely derives from "Eostre." Many Easter traditions, such as eggs and bunnies, have probable origins in pre-Christian spring fertility customs associated with Ostara/Eostre.
Modern Pagan Celebration
Contemporary Pagans celebrate Ostara as part of the Wheel of the Year, focusing on themes of balance, rebirth, fertility, planting seeds (literal and metaphorical), and welcoming the vibrant energy of spring.
Key Themes of Ostara
Ostara is a joyful festival embodying the energy of new life:
- Balance: The primary theme derived from the equinox itself – balance between light and dark, masculine and feminine, inner and outer worlds.
- New Beginnings and Renewal: Celebrating the start of spring, the awakening earth, and the opportunity for fresh starts in personal life.
- Fertility and Growth: Recognizing the burgeoning fertility of the land and animals. Eggs and rabbits/hares are potent symbols of fertility and new life.
- Hope and Joy: Embracing the optimism and cheerfulness that comes with warmer weather, longer days, and blooming nature.
- Planting Seeds: Literally planting seeds in the garden and metaphorically planting intentions and ideas for the coming months.
- Return of the Sun Maiden/Green Man: Mythological themes often involve the return of a spring goddess or the full awakening of the Green Man, representing vibrant life.
How Ostara is Celebrated
Modern Ostara celebrations are often colorful, creative, and focused on nature's renewal:
Working with Eggs
Decorating eggs symbolizes new life and potential. Activities include dyeing, painting, planting seeds in eggshells, or hiding/finding eggs.
Planting Seeds
Starting seeds indoors or planting early crops outdoors connects directly with the theme of growth and new beginnings.
Decorating with Spring Symbols
Using pastel colors, spring flowers (tulips, daffodils, crocuses), budding branches, and images of rabbits and eggs for altars and home decor.
Feasting
Enjoying meals featuring spring foods like fresh greens, sprouts, eggs, lamb (symbolic), and light, sweet dishes.
Connecting with Nature
Taking walks to observe the signs of spring, meditating outdoors, and tidying up garden spaces.
Balance Rituals
Performing rituals focused on finding balance within oneself and setting intentions for growth in the light half of the year.