Eostre and Ostara
The goddess Eostre is a figure associated with spring, fertility, and renewal, believed to have been worshiped by the early Germanic and Anglo-Saxon peoples. Her name is thought to be the origin of the modern word "Easter," and she is often linked to the changing of the seasons, particularly the transition from winter to spring.
Eostre is associated with the Wheel of the Year Ostara. (More on the Wheel of the Year.)
Eostre is closely connected to symbols of fertility and rebirth, particularly rabbits and eggs, which have become central to many springtime traditions. The rabbit, or hare, is often associated with Eostre due to its reputation for rapid reproduction, making it a fitting symbol of renewal and the life-giving energy of spring. According to legend, Eostre transformed a bird into a hare, which then laid colorful eggs in her honor, possibly influencing the later Easter Bunny tradition. Eggs, representing potential and new beginnings, were likely used in her celebrations as a way to honor the fertility of the land and the cycle of life. These symbols continue to be embraced in Ostara and Easter celebrations, reflecting the enduring connection between ancient spring festivals and modern traditions.
Although historical documentation of Eostre is limited, her influence is still felt in contemporary spiritual practices. Many modern pagans and Wiccans honor Eostre during the spring equinox, celebrating her as a goddess of balance, renewal, and the returning light. Rituals dedicated to her often include decorating eggs, planting seeds, and embracing personal and spiritual growth. Whether she was a widely worshiped deity or a symbolic figure recorded by Bede, Eostre’s themes of rebirth and fertility continue to inspire those who celebrate the cycles of nature. Her story serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between ancient pagan traditions and the ways we continue to welcome the arrival of spring today.
Eostre’s Symbolism
Ēostre, the goddess of spring and dawn, is deeply connected to symbols that reflect the themes of fertility and renewal. Among the most well-known of these symbols is the hare, a creature famous for its rapid reproduction and vitality. In many traditions, the hare is seen as a representation of fertility, embodying the sudden burst of life that defines the spring season. Its association with Ēostre highlights the energy and renewal that come with the turning of the seasons, making it a fitting symbol of the goddess’s influence. Often depicted in folklore as a messenger of spring, the hare serves as a reminder of the Earth’s awakening and the abundance that follows winter’s end.
Another key symbol linked to Ēostre is the egg, which represents new beginnings and the boundless potential of life. Within its delicate shell lies the promise of transformation, mirroring the rejuvenation of the natural world. Eggs are central to Ostara celebrations, where they are decorated and honored as emblems of the Earth's renewal. According to legend, Ēostre plays a nurturing role in this process, her warmth and energy encouraging the land to awaken from winter’s slumber. Her presence is believed to melt away the last traces of frost, making way for the lush growth and fertility of the coming months.
Through these enduring symbols—the vibrant hare and the life-giving egg—Ēostre stands as a powerful figure of springtime renewal. She represents the cycle of death and rebirth, guiding the world from the stillness of winter into the flourishing vibrancy of spring. She continues to inspire modern celebrations of the changing seasons, reminding us of resilience, balance, and the promise of new beginnings.
The VEnerable Bede
The Venerable Bede, an Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar during the 8th century, is the source for historical discussion of Eostre. In his work The Reckoning of Time (De Temporum Ratione), Bede wrote that the month of April was once known as Ēosturmōnaþ among the early Anglo-Saxons, named after a goddess called Eostre. He claimed that the Christian celebration of Easter took its name from these pagan traditions, which were later adapted into the Christian calendar. Although Bede’s account provides valuable insight into early pagan practices, no other contemporary sources actually confirm Eostre’s worship, leading some scholars to debate whether she was a widely venerated goddess or a symbolic figure created by Bede.
Despite the limited historical evidence, Bede’s documentation of Eostre has had a lasting impact on modern interpretations of pre-Christian spring festivals. His writings provided a link between ancient pagan customs and Christian traditions, suggesting a blending of beliefs over time.
Eostre’s Teachings
The goddess Eostre teaches us about renewal, transformation, and the cycles of nature. As a symbol of spring and dawn, she reminds us that change is a natural, inevitable, and necessary part of life. Just as the Earth awakens from winter’s slumber, we too can embrace new beginnings, growth, and opportunities for transformation. Her association with the equinox highlights the importance of balance—between light and dark, work and rest, endings and beginnings. By honoring Eostre, we remind ourselves to trust in the rhythms of nature and recognize that every ending holds the potential for a fresh start.
Eostre’s connection to fertility, as represented by the hare and the egg, also teaches us about abundance and creation. Fertility is not just about physical reproduction but extends to creativity, personal development, and the nurturing of ideas, relationships, and aspirations. She encourages us to plant seeds—both literal and metaphorical—and to care for them with patience and intention, trusting that they will grow in their own time. Her presence in mythology reminds us to embrace our potential, foster creativity, and cultivate the aspects of our lives that bring fulfillment and joy.
Lastly, Eostre teaches us to celebrate life and find joy in the beauty of the natural world. Spring is a time of hope, renewal, and reconnection with the Earth, and Eostre embodies these energies. She encourages us to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the return of warmth and life. Through her symbols and stories, she reminds us to celebrate our own journeys of transformation, to honor the cycles of nature, and to welcome the light after darkness with gratitude and optimism.
More About Ostara
Now that you’ve heard from the goddess Eostre, would you like to learn more about Ostara?
About Ostara: An introduction to the Wheel of the Year holiday
Ostara Associations: Hares, eggs, and other symbols of Ostara
How to Celebrate Ostara: Dye eggs, feasts, decorating, and more
Ostara Journal Prompts: 35 ideas for reflection during the Ostara season
Ostara Meditation: A guided meditation on rebirth
The Ostara Companion: Spells, Meditations, Coloring Pages, and All About Ostara