The pagan version of Easter is commonly referred to as Ostara, named after the Germanic goddess, or sometimes associated with the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre.
Historically, the Christian celebration of Easter shares roots with ancient pagan festivals that marked the arrival of spring and renewal. The name "Easter" itself is believed to derive from Eostre or Ostara, a goddess of spring and fertility whose feast was traditionally celebrated around the time of the vernal equinox—the precise moment when spring officially begins.
Understanding Ostara and Eostre
These goddesses represent the rebirth of nature, fertility, and the dawn of a new cycle after winter's dormancy. Their associated festivals celebrated life's renewal, aligning with themes also found in the Christian Easter.
Key aspects of these pagan spring festivals include:
- Goddess Eostre/Ostara: A goddess of the dawn, spring, and fertility, whose symbols often included hares (bunnies) and eggs, representing fertility and new life.
- Vernal Equinox: The festival was traditionally observed around the vernal (spring) equinox, which typically falls on March 19, 20, or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. This day marks when day and night are of nearly equal length, symbolizing balance and the triumph of light over darkness as the days grow longer.
- Themes of Renewal: Celebrations focused on the awakening earth, the blooming of flowers, and the return of migratory birds, all signifying life, rebirth, and abundance.
While the modern Easter holiday has significant Christian meaning, its name and several popular customs, such as bunnies and eggs, reflect connections to these ancient pagan spring traditions and the goddesses Eostre and Ostara.
