There are two or three slightly different but more than similar accounts of Ostara and Easter: all revolving round 'new' warmth of the sun, the end of winter; new birth, new growth of plants etc.Ostara: In ancient Anglo-Saxon myth, Ostara is the personification of the rising sun. In that capacity she is associated with the spring and is considered to be a fertility goddess. She is the friend of all children and to amuse then she changed her pet bird into a rabbit. This rabbit brought forth brightly colored eggs, which the goddess gave to the children as gifts. From her name and rites the festival of Easter is derived. "Ostara." Encyclopedia Mythica from Encyclopedia Mythica Online.
Equinox and Easter are always close: Christians observe "Christ's resurrection from the dead after his death on Good Friday as being synonymous with rebirth and rejuvenation: the symbolic resurrection of Christ is echoed in the awakening of the plant and animal life around us. But if we look more closely at some of these Easter customs, we will see that the origins are surprisingly, well, pagan! Eggs, bunnies, candy, Easter baskets, new clothes, all these "traditions" have their origin in practices which may have little or nothing to do with the Christian holiday." [Witchvox]"The Ostara worship was so strong in the Germanic lands that the somewhat similar Christian feast of rebirth and renewal was given the Goddess's name. Bede recounts that the Christian Paschal feast was named after the heathen Goddess Eostre, and so this celebration is still named Easter among the Christians. There is no specific date on which the Ostara feast must be held."
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Bring on the Pagans I say! Actually it's quite telling that whenever the subject of Easter and Christmas come up with younger members of staff they always mention the Pagan celebrations first and then the Christian ones. I think today is the start of the Persian New Year as well, it's the year 1387.
That was yesterday I think. My clients/friends in Iran are on holiday.
(adds 621 to check...yep!)
No, you were right, it's today. My client is going to be on holiday until the 5th April!
Well I wasn't sure after I posted it, so thanks for checking. Some great pictures in the Independent about the celebrations in Kabul.
Always interesting to read of alternative celebrations and putting things into a historic time frame.
...as was Africa and the Americas more recently.
That's very interesting Span .
oooer...curmy...I read that in a way that indicates you don't think it's interesting! In a foot-tapping, arms crossed, stern faced, telling-off voice...I hope I'm mistaken!
Yes you are mistaken Span, it was very interesting !
OK Curmy (capital C) thanks!
(thumbs-up smiley)
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