The countdown begins as we enter the final stretch of the school year. Promises of a freeing summer scatter the internet, leaving in their midst glimpses of hope. However, many of us deign to overlook the season in between: spring. The Vernal Equinox has long stood as a gateway to balance and the awakening of nature, with its own story to be told.
Long associated with vernal equinox gatherings, Germanic Goddess Eostre has historically stood as a figure with great significance to Pagan culture. Considered somewhat an equal to the Greek goddess Persephone, the two represent the spring season, but more specifically its link to growth and rebirth. Spoken tales of Eostre note her power of healing. One such tale details her transformation from a wounded bird to a hare with the ability to lay eggs. These have since become symbols of the goddess, being included in depictions of her. The earliest historical reference of Eostre is noted by an 8th-century English monk known as the Venerable Bede, who recorded the Anglo-Saxon tradition of feasts in her honor during the month of April.
The festival of Ostara takes place around March 21st. This vivid celebration rings in the season of Spring’s equal hours of day and night. The Pagan and Wiccan holiday celebrates the celestial Eostre, otherwise known as Ostara. The branding “Eostre” bears close resemblance to the title of the widely celebrated Easter, which is believed to have roots tied back to the goddess and Ostara. Simultaneously, Ostara celebrates fertility in the growing season, symbolized with eggs and hares, which mirrors symbols and depictions related to Easter While honoring Eostre, Ostara is also a poignant reminder of time, as the Vernal Equinox marks light overcoming darkness in the Northern Hemisphere – a cue for those of the agrarian lifestyle that the planting season is among them. Traditionally, bonfires were lit to represent the warmth to come as well as a way for gatherings to commence and interaction to occur.
In the modern age, a Spring Equinox is still celebrated by many, but typically no longer in a traditional way. Common rituals include planting, specifically root vegetables like potatoes, and leafy greens. However, those opting for an aesthetically pleasing garden tend to gravitate towards delicate flowers like pansies or hyacinths which flourish during the in-between seasons. Do be warned of the pollen to come your way should you choose to plant said flowers. For those that choose to refrain from planting, spring cleaning is a considerably safer option – bringing back memories from springs past. Other indoor activities to celebrate the new season include resetting goals to allow for personal growth. As the earth blossoms throughout the next few months, it can be especially helpful to ponder self-development.
Goal-making and growth can mean anything from positive mindsets to expanding your travel scene. Travelseekers will rejoice in the views of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. Much more a marvel of science than of art, the Neolithic earthwork of Stonehenge was once a place for rituals and burials. Arranged of massive vertically standing stones, Stonehenge features nearly 30 sarsen rocks traced more than 150 miles away from their current location, as well as smaller “bluestones”. Considered one of the oldest still intact temples, Stonehenge is thought to have been an observatory of sorts, possibly being used in the past to track the movement of the sun. On solstices, the sun is seen lining up with the space in between the stones of Stonehenge, creating a perfect photo opportunity and satisfying view.
The Spring Equinox is an equivocal point in passing time, representing rebirth, growth, and balance. Though referring to nature, the Spring Solstice can align to a personal refooting for those that may take the time to embrace the new season. Whether you celebrate Spring the traditional way or prefer a more modern observance, it is certain that stability can be found through the many activities of Spring, so long as you are searching. From jubilating at Stonehenge to maintaining a garden in your own home, the Vernal Equinox is an important date for all it represents.
