Rites of Spring

The season of Spring is associated with many traditional observances, all of which have their origins in ancient practices.

Spring begins the time of year when the day and the night are of equal length, and ushers in the increasing daylight and the end of Winter.

It is when the earth awakens from a season of hibernation.

The ground teems with the buds of new and renewed life; humans and animals alike resume various activities which were set aside during the dark, fallow time of Winter. New plantings, eggs, rabbits, new clothes and even "spring cleaning" are all symbolic of new, "clean" beginnings which can be traced back to pre-Judeo-Christian times.

In the lunar-based Pagan/Wiccan Wheel of the Year which marks eight seasonal occasions, Ostara, the second of the Lesser Sabbats, marks the Spring or Vernal Equinox, occurring between March 21-23 in the Northern Hemisphere and September 21-23 in the Southern Hemisphere. Ostara celebrates new life, creativity, fertility, and spiritual renewal with festive gatherings. Some practitioners fast at this time to promote spiritual and physical cleansing, both characteristic features of this seasonal celebration.

The names of "Ostara" (the Pagan/Wiccan celebration) and of "Easter" (the Christian celebration) echo the various names of a Teutonic goddess of Spring and the dawn known as Oestre, Eoster, Eastre ... amongst others. Ostara is also the name of a Norse goddess of fertility.

The Jewish celebration of "Passover," or "The Feast of Unleavened Bread" was practiced by ancient Israelites at the beginning of their New Year on the Spring Equinox, based on the Persian/Babylonian calendar. "Passover" refers to the "passed over" homes of the Jews who marked their doors with the blood of a sacrificial lamb to save their first born from the angel of death (as recorded in the Old Testament book of Exodus). The killing of the first-born sons of the Egyptians and their Pharaoh Ramses II granted the Jews freedom from the Egyptian oppression and accordingly, an exodus to a new life. The occasion is observed with a Seder, a gathering of family and friends with traditional foods and customs. Prior to the first night of Passover which is celebrated over an 8-day period, the home is cleaned and all foods containing yeast are discarded. This is in honor of the Israelites who had to flee Egypt so quickly their breads had no time to rise.

The Christian celebration of "Easter" is linked with the observance of Jesus' resurrection three days after His entombment. It usually falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon, on or about March 21. Easter celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and His teachings of love, faith, and miracles. It is an opportunity to reaffirm one's faith. The observance of Easter is preceded by Lent, a preparatory period of 40 days characterized by fasting, abstinence and penitence. The lily is the flower associated with Easter, usually the white variety whose color is evocative of purity and innocence. Legend states that white lilies grew from where Jesus' drops of sweat fell. The flower is also associated with Mary, the Holy Mother whose empty tomb was said to have been graced with white lilies three days after she was laid to rest.

The egg as a symbol is common to many cultures. In the Pagan/Wiccan tradition, it represents the seed of new life; fertility, also the soul encased in a physical shell or form. The rabbit or hare produces prolifically; thus, its association with fertility. The rabbit represents the earthly manifestation of the goddess Oestre/Eoster; the hare represents her male consort in the earth. This ancient custom of the season has been carried on in various cultures in the exchange of eggs: dyed, of chocolate, or of plastic filled with goodies. The same can be said of the rabbits and bunnies given as gifts...live, stuffed toy or candy version. This time sees the cultivation of seedlings; potted plants are popular as gifts.

What may appear as diverse rites of Spring reveal themselves as sharing commonalities which cross cultural boundaries. They are significant by reason of their historical aspects as a record of mankind's striving for survival and propagation as a species. Communities of ancient times and since have been based on agriculture, the backbone of their survival. Hence, those symbols and concepts that called forth life-affirming qualities were, and still are, embraced. Perhaps of most significance is that since time immemorial, mankind has striven for spiritual meaning in his activities. This is a hopeful sign that ultimately we, as a species, can develop and achieve a lasting spirituality which respects and preserves all life and the planet that we all share.

By MeeWah Reynolds