Spring was and still is a time of change and celebration.
The Vikings celebrated the spring equinox, and the Germanic peoples and Anglo-Saxons worshipped the goddess Ostara, who symbolized spring and fertility. The celebration was characterized by various rituals, feasts, and offerings that reflected both pagan and Christian influences.
Spring was an important time because it symbolized the end of the long, harsh winter and the beginning of a new growing season.
Beda Venerabilis, a very old monk with a long white beard and the nickname The Father of English History, wrote about the goddess of spring and fertility over 1300 years ago. Ostara, or Eostre, as the goddess was called, is therefore believed to be the inspiration for the English name for Easter – Easter.
Festivals and rituals in honor of Ostara
Ostara, the goddess of spring and dawn, was an important figure in ancient traditions.
Many festivals and rituals were held in her honor to ensure the fertility of the earth and the prosperity of society.
In connection with the celebration of Ostara, fires were often lit to symbolize the return of light. The fires were lit on hills or near sacred places and aimed to drive away the winter darkness and welcome the spring warmth.
Rabbits were known for being very fertile and were therefore associated with the rebirth of Easter.
According to German folklore, the rabbit was associated with the eternal life of the Christian Easter. Rabbits are born with open eyes, which led Germans to believe that rabbits are always "awake".
The Easter Bunny is a symbol of Easter that has its roots in German folklore. The tradition of the Easter Bunny hiding eggs is said to have started in Germany during the Middle Ages.
The Easter Bunny was introduced in America by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th century, and the tradition then spread from there. The Easter Bunny has become a beloved figure in many cultures as part of the Easter celebration, often associated with new life and rebirth.
What does the Easter egg symbolize?
Eggs represent new life and rebirth. Eggs, just like the rabbit, have long been considered an ancient symbol of fertility, rebirth, and new life, all associated with the spring celebration of Easter! From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs represent Jesus' resurrection and his rising from the tomb.
Easter witches and witches
Easter witches, or Easter hags as they are sometimes called, are a part of the Swedish Easter tradition. This tradition has its roots in folklore where it was believed that witches on Maundy Thursday flew to Blåkulla to celebrate the witches' Sabbath with the devil.
The word "påsk" comes from the Hebrew word "pesah" and the Medieval Latin "pascha".
The vernal equinox, also called Equinox, was an important date in the calendar.
It marked the moment when day and night were equally long, symbolizing balance and renewal. This event was often celebrated with festivities and rituals to welcome the return of light and warmth.
The Easter crisis.
The history of the Easter twigs – from whip to decoration
Before the Easter twigs were decorated with feathers and eggs, people used to whip each other with the twigs. One purpose of this painful ritual was to symbolize the suffering of Jesus. The previous purpose was for the person who was whipped to partake in the inherent power of the tree.
Happy Easter.
