Ostara 2016: Facts And Traditions Of The Wiccan Spring Equinox Celebration

Hail, spring!
The spring equinox falls on Sunday March 20, 2016.
The spring equinox falls on Sunday March 20, 2016.
Ryo Ohwada via Getty Images

The spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere falls on Sunday March 20 this year, marking the time when the sun passes over the celestial equator. Wiccans and other neopagans observe the day as Ostara, a festival that celebrates the season’s change from dark winter to brightening spring.

Ostara is one of 8 neopagan sabbats, or holidays, that make up the Wheel of the Year.

Druids celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge.
Druids celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge.
Roger Cracknell Photography via Getty Images

Along with Ostara, many Wiccans and neopagans observe Beltane, Litha (or summer solstice), Lughnasadh, the autumnal equinox, Samhain, Yule and Imbolc.

Ostara may be a contemporary revival of ancient spring festivals.

Some pagans say Ostara derives from ancient Celtic and Saxon spring holidays.
Some pagans say Ostara derives from ancient Celtic and Saxon spring holidays.
Carl Emil Doepler/Wikipedia

Some pagan authors say Ostara derives from ancient Celtic and Saxon spring holidays, later Christianized into the Easter holiday. Others argue this and other neopagan holidays are modern creations. Either way, many religions celebrate holidays during this time of year, including the Hindu Holi, Jewish Purim, Sikh Hola Mohalla and Christian Easter.

For many neopagans, Ostara celebrates the Spring Maiden and Horned God, who represent the characteristics of the new season.

Ostara celebrates the Spring Maiden and Horned God.
Ostara celebrates the Spring Maiden and Horned God.
Leemage via Getty Images

Ostara, or Eostra, is an Anglo-Saxon goddess who represents dawn. As a spring goddess she oversees the budding plants and burgeoning fertility of the earth. The Horned God, sometimes envisioned as the god Pan, symbolizes the festive enjoyment of nature through hunting and dancing.

Symbols of fertility and new life play a prominent role in many Ostara celebrations.

Symbols for Ostara include eggs, rabbits, flowers and seeds.
Symbols for Ostara include eggs, rabbits, flowers and seeds.
Azazelka via Getty Images

Similar to those observed at Easter, symbols for Ostara include eggs, rabbits, flowers and seeds. Many neopagans believe these symbols to represent the fecundity of spring and incorporate them into rituals, altars and celebratory feasts.

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