How Can We Celebrate Spring?

Spring is, for many, a time of joy and hope - the days are getting longer, the buds are opening and signs of new life are everywhere.  In the UK the Met Office designates 1st March as the start of Spring but, as ever, a closer look reveals a more complex picture.  Of course, the weather plays a part; some years the warmth arrives earlier, sometimes heavy rain prevents growth and so on.  Usually however, by mid-March there are clear signs of longer, sunnier days and we all begin to believe summer will eventually arrive.

In astronomical terms Spring begins at the vernal equinox which falls between 19th and 21st March and signifies the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator bringing days and nights of roughly equal length.  Given this timing, it’s not surprising that spiritually the Spring equinox represents a time of balance, renewal and rebirth, fertility and growth and active energy.  Many religious traditions have festivals at this time - Easter (Christianity), Holi (Hinduism) and Songkhan (Thai Buddhism) to name but a few. The ceremonies associated with these festivals invariably focus on growth and renewal.

The colourful festival of Holi.

This time of re-invigoration can sit as a natural ‘new year’ and is a great time to set new intentions and/or goals.  Some people find it easier to embark on a programme of fitness or well-being now rather than in the depths of a cold dark winter.  Spring Cleaning is a popular activity - both literally and metaphorically, now is a perfect time to open the windows, brush out the cobwebs and reinvigorate yourself and your home.  Many find that now is a great time to reconnect with nature - get out for a walk or a cycle.  After the long months of winter taking ourselves out into the countryside has a powerful effect on ourselves and our outlook.  The association of this time of year with balance and harmony means it can be the perfect moment to take up or reconnect with practices that enhance balance in ourselves and our lives - yoga, journalling, mindfulness or prayer.

Within the pagan tradition the vernal equinox is marked by the festival of Ostara.  This

ancient tradition honours the goddess Eostre and has its origins in Germanic Spring traditions.  Celebrations include:

Celebrating and honouring Spring

Making a Spring altar with spring flowers, herbs, symbols of fertility.

Egg decorating - painting hardboiled or wooden eggs is a way of setting intentions.

Bringing Light to your home - candles, especially yellow or green ones celebrates the return of longer days and the power of sunlight.

Connecting with Nature - walks, forest bathing, birdwatching. 

Planting seeds - a practical task but one that takes on new significance when carried out with intention.  You can use the seeds to reflect personal intentions.

Lighting bonfires at dawn to honour the increased lighting from the sun.

It’s no surprise that many of the pre-Christian celebrations of Ostara are familiar within the Christian world.  As with Christmas traditions, early missionaries often amalgamated existing rituals and Christian messaging.  So, whilst the timing of Easter has shifted from the equinox and the theological significance of the resurrection is paramount within Easter celebrations, much of the symbolism and ritual of Ostara remains.

By Catrina Young, Leicestershire Heart-led Celebrant; Marking Life’s Moments.

© Hardingstone Ceremonies, March, 2026