Ostara: ritual celebrating the coming of spring, and thus also the beginning of planting. Dates this was celebrated on varied, but tended to fall around the vernal equinox. Eggs are painted with bright colors, and hidden, and hunts are conducted for them. (Eggs are a symbol of new life, and fertility. Rabbits are a symbol of this day too, for the same reason.) Other games are sometimes played with the eggs too, such as racing with them balanced on a spoon, or rolling them downhill. Eggs are ritually thrown high into the air too, and as high as the eggs fly, that is how high the crops shall grow. A procession, led by an ass, begins festivities which include a game called "Osterball". Dancing is an important part of the celebrations. Ostara bonfires are also lit. No flesh is eaten by mariners this day, to ensure safety from storms.Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):
Order Of The Golden Dawn - The Invoking Pentagram Ritual Of WaterPangaia - Handcrafted Ritual Tools
Order Of The Golden Dawn - The Invoking Pentagram Ritual Of Earth
Benjamin Rowe - A Ritual Of The Heptagram
Andrew Lang - Myth Ritual And Religion
