The Good Wiccan(tm) Site is Written and Designed by Anand Sajaha
more information

WHEEL OF THE YEAR - SPECIFIC WICCA WICCAN SABBATH HOLY DAY RITUALS

Vernal Equinox Ritual - History of the Vernal Equinox

"The Spring Equinox is a time when the day and night are equal. A time when light and darkness are brought into harmony and light once again rules the world so the traditional color to wear is white. It is a time of re-awakening and re-birth. Fires and candles are lit and tables are dressed with fresh spring flowers. It is a great to time rid oneself of old ideas and past fears and renew vows, refresh dreams, and take on new conquests. It is a time of re-awakening.

"The name, Easter, is derived from Eostre, Eostar, or Ostara, which all refer to the name of the Goddess of Spring who was honored at the time of Vernal Equinox, (on or around March 21). In Greek mythology, a humble rabbit (a rather fertile animal) presented brightly decorated eggs, to please the Goddess, Eostre. The eggs represented life from life-lessness. She was so pleased with the symbolic gift from this gentle loving creature that she asked him to spread her joy and deliver eggs around the world.

"The springtime festival of Vernal Equinox is an important festival of growth and optimism. It was fervently celebrated by the Irish, but also heavily influenced by Nordic, Greek, and Roman tradition. Because this pagan festival was so ingrained in Ireland, the Catholic Church chose to place St. Patrick's Day on March 17, right before the Equinox, in order to lower the intensity and importance of the Pagan Irish festival and eventually they assimilated the pagan holiday into Christian tradition.

"On the Equinox, fires and candles are lit and our altar is dressed with fresh spring flowers. It is a time of rebirth and re-awakening. A time when light and darkness are brought into harmony and light once again rules the world. It is a great to time to rid oneself of old ideas and past fears and in turn renew old vows, refresh old dreams, and take on new conquests."