![(pic. 4[14][15])](https://avatars.dzeninfra.ru/get-zen_doc/9648650/pub_6441969e30f92618cb197157_64419792ddde4659fd775ffe/scale_1200)
Every year, in the end of March, comes the day of the spring equinox. The snow begins to melt, buds bloom on the trees and migratory birds returns. The ancient Celts called this time “Ostara”. Its other names are; the Ritual of Spring, the Day of God Mother and the Festival of Trees. The main figure of this holiday was always the Anglo-Saxon goddess named Ostara or Eostre(pic. 4 left one) (in present day Easter) which symbolized spring and new beginning. [1]
Among many different cultures, spring is celebrated in various customs. In all of them, Ostara symbolizes rebirth, renewal and the new agricultural cycle. The traditional symbols of Ostara are the Moon Hare and eggs. There is an interesting legend about them. According to it, at the end of winter, the Goddess found a wounded bird and turned it into a rabbit to save it. But the transformation did not happen completely, so the hare retained the ability to lay eggs. These are the eggs that it brought as a gift to the Goddess, having previously painted them in bright colors.[11] Nevertheless, these symbols and traditions remained, one of which is a hare. Still, in medieval times in Europe, the hare was seen a lot in spring after hibernation. It represented life continuousness and rebirth. [10]
In Christianity, Easter(pic. 4 right one) remained as a reminder of a day when Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. It was established in memory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead the next Sunday. The name hasn’t changed a lot, but the customs and beliefs have. Since the resurrection was on a Sunday, the first Christians adopted this day as the day of the week when they get together to pray and worship God. After some time, Easter Sunday became a special day for praising God and prayers.
Ostara can be celebrated in different days from Easter, because Easter can fall between March 22nd and April 24th when Ostara is from 19th till 22th March. Exact time of Easter date is not known due to the lack of information of the Christ’s date of birth. The timing depends on the moon cycle. [10]
It is the most important Christian holiday. Egg dyeing has become one of the main traditions of the holiday. Modern Easter in Christian culture took this ritual that was associated with the egg. Which has been considered an ancient religious symbol, a kind of beginning, the source of all life. The custom’s origin goes back to the pagan traditions, but its origin is not known. [2] There are some fun family activities using them. Firstly, is rolling eggs down from the hill. The one whose egg is going to break loses. While the ones whose egg is going to roll further and doesn’t break, will have a good and productive year. Secondly, is to decorate or paint them. The most beautiful one wins. Thirdly, people compete by beating eggs with someone trying to crack the opponent’s egg. The one with the strongest egg, whose egg doesn’t crack, eats the Easter pastries first. [12]
At the beginning of the Easter meal, it is customary to eat the food consecrated in the temple. Only after that the rest of the dishes. On the Easter table you can find fresh flowers, willow branches and, of course, painted eggs. Besides to special Easter dishes, such as cake and cottage cheese, which are eaten only in this day. A variety of pastries are prepared for the holiday. As a rule, these are pretzels, buns, crumpets with butter or honey, flavored with spices. Meat dishes are also served on Ostara. It is a must. Additionally, fatty pork, lard, porridge, tortillas fried in pork heat are cooked. [3][4]
![(pic. 5, Ostara bonfire[9])](https://avatars.dzeninfra.ru/get-zen_doc/9716076/pub_6441969e30f92618cb197157_644196e382601931c59dc9d3/scale_1200)
Celebrating Ostara in nature, people burn the wooden wheel(pic. 5). It symbolizes the rebirth of the luminary after hibernation. People put a wooden wheel on fire and roll it down the hill. It is believed to be a gradual acquisition of strength. Then they light a bonfire and jump through it together with a friend or a beloved one. It's not just entertainment. This is a serious ritual action. It was designed to purify the human energy and get protection from the fiery element. As well on receive the patronage of this God. As a tradition, people still burn bonfires in Easter. [6][7][8][13]
In Christianity, the Easter fire plays an important role in the divine service. It symbolizes "the Light of God" after the revival of Jesus Christ. In the major cities of Greece and Russia, Orthodox churches are waiting for the Holy Fire from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. After the arrival of the holy fire from Jerusalem, the priests spread it through the temples of the city. Christians immediately light their candles from it. After the service, some take the lantern home, where they try to maintain it throughout the year.
According to Catholic tradition, the Easter candle is lit in a cathedral before the beginning of the Easter service. It is a special Easter candle, the fire from which is distributed to all Christians. After that, the service begins. This candle is lit at all the services of the Easter Week.[5]
We don’t know anything about clothes for these two festivals. Nowadays it is one of the most popular celebrations. People make big money of it by selling pastries or even egg ornaments.
Resources:
1. https://happywitch.ru/blog/prazdnik-ostara/
2. https://happywitch.ru/blog/prazdnik-ostara/
3. https://koldovstvo.net/obryady-i-ritualy/prazdnik-ostara.html#i-12
4. https://tvbrics.com/news/prazdnik-svetloy-paskhi-istoriya-obychai-i-simvoly/
5. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Пасха#Пасхальный_огонь
6. https://grimuar.ru/ritualy/vikka/prazdnik-ostara.html
7. https://happywitch.ru/blog/prazdnik-ostara/
8. https://grimuar.ru/ritualy/vikka/prazdnik-ostara.html
10. https://christianity.org.uk/article/the-history-of-easter
11. https://grimuar.ru/ritualy/vikka/prazdnik-ostara.html
12. https://pozdravok.com/scenarii/konkursy/prazdnik/paskha/
14. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/db/be/40/dbbe40a5d4a7a89a36e14b99bbfaf019.jpg
15. https://i.mycdn.me/i?r=AzEPZsRbOZEKgBhR0XGMT1RkjClm9kDPyFyZEPXLePYsE6aKTM5SRkZCeTgDn6uOyic