Ostara – Pagan Spring Celebration

Vernal Equinox, March 20, 2010, is a Day of Celebration and Feasting

Mar 1, 2010
Jill Stefko

Eggs – Symbols of Ostara and Spring - kittenpuff1

Equal daylight and darkness mark Ostara. Joy greets the season of fertility's renewal. Traditional food made from recipes given are savored in anticipation of abundance.

The wheel of the seasons has turned to Ostara, the first day of spring. Baby animals gambol in forests and pastures, new lives beginning. Fields will be green instead of winter drab brownish-grey. While winter’s chill is still in the air, in the northern regions, the Sun will soon dissipate it. Make merry with the celebration and the feast of the Fire or Solar Festival.

Ostara Celebration

The altar is covered with a pastel paisley cloth. Light green candles in silver candlestick holders, potted crocuses, tulips, daffodils, jonquils and hyacinths, crystal quartz, hard boiled eggs with dyed shells and figurines of rabbits, symbolic of fertility, a goblet of water and a bowl of earth adorn the altar.

The arrival of spring marks a time to hang Ostara wreaths, if desired, on doors, windows and/or walls. Plant seeds in fresh earth so they will be seedlings ready to plant when the time is right. Each person writes down aspirations on a piece of paper while visualizing it as a seed to be planted, then lights the paper in the candle’s flame over the bowl of earth so that the ashes fall into it. When all are finished, the ashes are mixed with the earth. Ostara’s rites are done and it’s time for the feast.

Ostara Recipes

Traditional foods are eggs, lamb, ham, salad greens, early ripening vegetables and strawberries. Wine accompanies the meal.

Ham and Egg Appetizer – Put 4 slices of ham and 4 coarsely chopped eggs on 4 slices of toast. Spread 2 tablespoons faux hollandaise sauce on top of each portion. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Faux hollandaise sauce: Blend together 4 tablespoons each sour cream and salad dressing, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon powdered mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Do not boil. Recipe can be doubled.
Spring Salad – Toss 4 cups salad greens, 5 thinly Vidalia onions and 2 (11 ounce) cans drained Mandarin oranges and dressing to coat salad. Dressing: Blend together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon each paprika and dry mustard, 1/4 cup wine vinegar, 1/3 cup ketchup and 1/2 cup salad oil until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate overnight.
Marinated Lamb Chops – Blend together 1/2 cup red wine, 1/4 cup salad oil, 1 teaspoon each crumbled dried rosemary and thyme and 3 minced garlic cloves. Pour over 8 rib lamb chops. Cover. Refrigerate overnight, turning meat occasionally to make sure all sides are marinated. Pat chops dry. Pan broil or grill over medium high heat about 4 minutes on each side for medium chops. Steak cam be substituted for lamb chops.
Roasted Asparagus – Trim bottom ends from 2 pounds asparagus. Slice into 1 inch diagonal pieces. Add 1/3 cup slivered almonds and 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives. Toss mixture with 5 teaspoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Roast at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes, stirring once, or until asparagus is lightly browned.
Kasha* – Mix 1 cup kasha with 1 beaten egg, making sure all grains are coated. Cook in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until egg is dried and grains are separated. Add 2 cups chicken bouillon, 3 tablespoons crumbled dried parsley, 1/2 cup sliced scallions and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed. Cover. Simmer about 10 minutes or until done. *Kasha is available at health food stores if grocery stores don’t sell it.
Chocolate/Mint Covered Strawberries – Melt 1 pound semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract and 2 tablespoons shortening in top of double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth. Wash berries, leaving leaves attached. Insert toothpicks into berries’ tops. Dip into chocolate, swirling to cover. Turn berries upside down and insert toothpicks into Styrofoam for the coating to cool.
Cafe Mocha – Pour 6 ounces coffee, 1/2 ounce each bourbon and dark crème de cacao into cup. Stir. Top with whipped cream.
Mocha – Pour equal amounts coffee and hot chocolate into cup. Garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Bask in the Afterglow of the Day

Relax while sipping coffee or mocha. Enjoy the commaderie of friends and family. Exchange hopes and aspirations for the future. Their seeds have been sown. Talk about the gardens that will soon be planted.

People who don’t have yards can plant suitable vegetables, flowers and herbs in containers on patios, porches and balconies. The first day of spring was good and, better ones are, yet, to come. Soon, it will be time for Litha, Midsummer, the summer solstice.