At this time, Christians are observing what is arguably their most important holiday, Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. However, Pagan parents don't have to be apprehensive about teaching Ostara or celebrating it with their children. Everywhere we look, we see the pagan cultural remnants of Eostre's springtime festival--the symbolism of rabbits, notable for their fecundity, and the eggs, colored like rays of the returning sun. Due to the secularization of Easter, the most challenging part of celebrating Ostara may be celebrating it within a consciously Pagan context. Here are some ideas. Be sure to purchase a lot of eggs; you're going to need them.
Create an altar
The spring altar includes images of rabbits, birds, eggs, nests, and flowers. Colors associated with Ostara include pastel greens, pinks, blues, and yellows. If you have a nice yard or garden, you might consider creating an outdoor altar.
Have an egg hunt
Easter traditions are pagan, but the significance of the practices and traditions are often lost in the secularization of the holiday. Be sure to talk to your children about the symbolism of the eggs. Try to create a small ritual around your egg hunt. You can cast a simple circle together and give children seeds to scatter as offerings at the quarters. If you create an outdoor altar, hide an extra special stash of eggs there. Tell the children they've happened upon Eostre's special lair and they must leave a small offering of thanks before taking the eggs. You can use real eggs or plastic eggs filled with treats. Even if you use plastic eggs, they can be painted with Pagan symbols. After the hunt, have the children thank the Goddess and God for Their abundance.
Color eggs
Coloring eggs is one of the greatest childhood pleasures. You can use hard-boiled eggs or you can dye uncooked eggs and then blow out the insides. If you hollow them out and rinse them, you can keep them for show (although they'll be breakable and unsuitable for hunts). You can also use natural dyes for a more environmentally friendly approach. When painting eggs, try to keep in mind the Pagan symbolism of the occasion. Paint eggs bright yellow to symbolize the sun. A green egg with a serpent symbolizes rebirth and renewal. Use Pagan symbols--spirals, pentacles, triple moons, solar discs--and take the opportunity to reinforce your child's understanding of their meanings.
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