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Ostara is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats of Neopaganism. It is celebrated on the spring equinox, in the northern hemisphere circa March 21 and in the southern hemisphere circa September 23. The name may refer to an ancient Germanic goddess named Eostre; it is alleged that this name was used in English when the Paschal holiday was introduced, and this name (not the holiday) was converted to Easter, in German Ostern. However, many scholars doubt that a goddess of that name was ever venerated by the Germanic tribes, since there is one and only on speculative mention of her in any early medieval work and no mention in any ancient manuscript.
The holiday is a celebration of spring and growth; traditional decorations include budding boughs, flowers, and decorated eggs.
Among the sabbats, it is preceded by Imbolc and followed by Beltane.
See also Wheel of the Year.
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