The spring equinox marks the coming of spring and the dawn, a time of renewal, when the land is reborn from the death of winter.
Because of this, Ostara is often seen as a time for rites symbolic rebirth.
The vernal equinox is named for the Goddess Eostre - sounds a lot like the word Easter for some reason.
Some of the traditional Easter symbols had their origins in Ostara festivities - icons such as the egg and bunnies.
Ostara is one of the Lesser Sabbats.
Ostara is celebrated at the spring / vernal equinox.
How to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally
Hard boil all eggs in advance, adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to the boiling water to prepare the shell for coloring.
To hard boil eggs without cracking them, add cold water and eggs to a pot, making sure the water covers the eggs completely.
Bring to a boil (about 12 minutes and large eggs about 15 minutes) and then transfer to a cold water bath immediately to stop the cooking process.
Next, create the dyes.
Natural Egg Dye Recipe
Ingredients
1 ½ cups water
Plant material of choice (2 tablespoons spices/powders, 4 tablespoons dried leaves/flowers, or 1 cup chopped fruit/vegetable)
1 tablespoon vinegar
Directions
- Bring water and plant material to a boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Turn off heat.
- Strain dye into a jar or bowl and add vinegar or alum (compost the plant material).
- Add a hard boiled egg to the dye bath and let sit for minutes to hours, depending on dye and desired color.
