Celebrating Ostara with Kids: Welcoming the Spring Equinox with Fun & Meaning
As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades, the arrival of Ostara marks the beginning of spring. Ostara, celebrated around March 20-23, is the pagan festival of the Spring Equinox, a time of balance when day and night are equal. It honours renewal, fertility, and new beginnings—making it a perfect holiday to celebrate with children!
If you’re looking for ways to introduce your little ones to the magic of Ostara, here are some fun, family-friendly activities to welcome the season.
What is Ostara?
Ostara is one of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year, marking the moment when light begins to overtake darkness. Named after the Germanic goddess Eostre (often associated with hares and eggs), this festival shares many themes with Easter—renewal, fertility, and growth.
For children, Ostara is an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the changing seasons, and embrace the joy of new beginnings.
Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Ostara
1. Create an Ostara Nature Altar
Encourage your children to gather items that symbolise spring, such as:
- Fresh flowers (daffodils, tulips, crocuses)
- Painted eggs (symbols of fertility and rebirth)
- Seeds and small potted plants
- Feathers, shells, or crystals like rose quartz and aventurine
Arrange these items on a table or windowsill as a family altar to honour the season.
2. Decorate and Dye Eggs
Eggs are a powerful symbol of Ostara and a wonderful hands-on activity for kids. Try natural dyes made from beets (pink), turmeric (yellow), and red cabbage (blue). While decorating, discuss the meaning of eggs as a symbol of new life and growth.
3. Plant Seeds and Flowers
Spring is the perfect time for gardening! Let your kids plant seeds in small pots or an outdoor garden. Herbs like basil, mint, or lavender grow quickly and can be fun for children to watch sprout. Teach them about caring for the earth and the magic of new growth. You don't need expensive equipment either, egg boxes work great for planting seeds in!
4. Go on a Spring Equinox Nature Walk
Take a walk and observe signs of spring—budding trees, birds returning, or new flowers blooming. Have a scavenger hunt with a checklist of springtime items to make it more engaging for kids.
5. Have a Feast of Seasonal Foods
Celebrate with a family meal featuring fresh, spring-inspired foods:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Fresh fruits & veg
- Homemade bread or honey cakes
Discuss the importance of gratitude and abundance as you share this meal.
6. Read Spring-Themed Stories
Introduce children to Ostara’s themes with books about nature and rebirth. Some great choice would be 'The Story of the Root Children' by Sibylle von Olfers.
Storytelling is a beautiful way to pass down traditions and inspire curiosity.
7. Create a Spring Craft
Get creative with Ostara-themed crafts, such as:
- Making a sun catcher with colourful tissue paper
- Crafting a bunny or chick out of paper plates
- Weaving flower crowns from dandelions or faux flowers
Honouring the Magic of the Season
Ostara is a time of balance, renewal, and joy. By celebrating with your children, you’re helping them develop a connection with nature, an appreciation for the changing seasons, and a sense of wonder about the world around them. Whether through simple crafts, nature walks, or shared meals, your family can welcome spring with love and intention.
How do you plan to celebrate Ostara this year? Let me know in the comments!
Blessed Ostara!