How to Celebrate Ostara With children

The holiday traditions that normally occur in the spring seem particularly unusual, especially in the context of the Christian holiday of Easter. When viewed in light of the pagan fertility holiday of Ostara, from which many of these popular traditions grew, they make a bit more sense. Strange or not, many of the common spring traditions are lots of fun for kids. So, if you are a pagan or anyone who wants to observe the vernal equinox, why not follow these suggestions and celebrate Ostara with children?

Instructions

1. Dye Ostara eggs together. The egg, which is a traditional symbol of fertility, is a very appropriate iamge for this time of year. Dye hard-boiled eggs if you want to eat them straight, or dye raw eggs for fun, then use them as you normally would. Use a kit, or immerse eggs in a cup of boiling-hot water with a few drops of food coloring and a spoonful of vinegar added.

2. Make Ostara bread. Make a rich dough using any recipe. Separate the risen dough into three strands, braid them together, and form them into a circle. Nestle raw dyed eggs between the strands of the braid, which will cook as the bread cooks. If you celebrate Ostara with children, they may enjoy helping to create this bread, and even young children will enjoy the result.

3. Decide whether you will incorporate Ostara baskets into your family traditions. A giant rabbit delivering gifts of eggs and candy may seem bizarre, but it does make slightly more sense in a pagan than a Christian context and Easter baskets are widely believed to derive from pagan customs. Gift baskets, with or without the rabbit, can be filled with candy, colored eggs or small toys, and delivered to children on Ostara morning.

4. If it's a nice day, celebrate Ostara with children by getting out in the warm weather. Look for signs of the turning seasons in the plant world, such as new green leaves and early flowers. If you find a lot of greenery, collect a few things for a festive centerpiece or seasonal altar.

5. Read seasonal stories about young adult gods and godesses, who are particuarly celebrated at this time of year. These deities could include Ostara (also known as Oestre), Persephone, Aphrodite, Apollo, Pan and Artemis, as well as many others from a variety of traditions.

6. Pet some baby animals. Consider celebrating Ostara with children by visiting a petting zoo, responsible pet store, or friend with puppies or kittens. Discuss how many animals have their babies in the spring, contributing to the annual renewal of the natural world.