OSTARA is one of the Lesser Sabbats, it is the Spring or Vernal equinox when days and nights are once again equal in length. It is the time of renewal and rebirth, nature springs into life with a promise of the bounty yet to come over the following months. It is a time of budding fertility and abundance. The God and Goddess are in perfect harmony before the Goddess slowly gives way to the energy of the God.
Ostara is the time when the seeds of the God are planted within the Goddess, to be reborn at Yule. The name Ostara is believed to be derived from Eostre - the Teutonic lunar Goddess. Her chief symbols are the hare, which represents fertility and the egg, which is a symbol of rebirth.
The egg itself is believed to be very symbolic with the golden yolk representing the God, and the white of the egg representing the Goddess, both parts making a single whole. The painting of eggs - which is still a tradition followed today - is believed to have it's roots in ancient pagan customs associated with the Goddess of fertility. Eggs were gathered and used as talisman to ensure a bountiful crop, and eaten during ritual feasts. The eggs were gathered from many different nests, with many different colours, and it is probably this custom that gives rise to the painting of eggs at Easter today.
The term 'Spring Cleaning' is again borrowed from ancient Pagan tradition. Spring is a time from new life, vigour and renewal. A time to shake off the starkness of the winter, to celebrate it's survival and to welcome and prepare for the bounty of harvests. The Pagan tradition was to rid their homes of any negative energy harboured from the long hard winter by scrubbing and cleaning in a clockwise motion. This action filled the home with positive energy and vigour. Many observe it today with no real knowledge of it's origin, just a need to replace shut in stagnant air with fresh, clean air full of vitality.
Read about the other Sabbats