AlBAN EILIR

Also known as: Ostara, Midspring, and Alban eiler.

Mid March, the hours of day and night are equal; the earth begins to show signs of new life as the long days of winter finally yield to summers warming embrace. This is truly a time of wonder, a time when the sights and sounds of rebirth are more and more in evidence.

Fields are ploughed and sown in preparation for this year's crop. Meadows begin to send forth-new growth and the trees shake off the frosts of winter erupting in masses of buds and flowers. It is lambing season, birds begin their rituals of courtship and soon start to nest amongst the boughs of the greening hedgerows.

It does seem strange at this most optimistic time that we find almost no evidence that the Celts celebrated this event. The fires of Imbolc must have seemed like a distant memory and the great festivities of Beltane are still many weeks away. Alban Eilir cannot be found in any Celtic tradition nor can any record of any specific ritual associated with this time of year. While it is certainly true that the solstices are accorded great importance and in some parts the autumn equinox was highly regarded it seems odd that the spring equinox seems almost overlooked.

This time of year is not completely forgotten. There are no less than 3 saint's days in the month of March. Saint David (Wales Mar-1), Saint Piran (Cornwall Mar-5) and of course Saint Patrick (Ireland Mar-17), as well as Lady Day on the 25th, which could have come from a more ancient goddess centered festival that has been lost in time. Easter is the main celebration in springtime and is linked to the Jewish festival of Passover. Here again there could be a link to a more ancient tradition as Easter is celebrated on the first moon after the Spring equinox, hence a different date each year.

The Wiccan community celebrate Ostara with full vigour, according it as much significance as all the other festivals across the year. Much emphasis is put on this being the time of new beginnings, a time to put the past behind and free oneself of what may be holding one back.

Feasts typically contain seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables and fresh dairy produce. This certainly seems to be in tune with what is happening in the natural world and as Druids something worth considering when planning our own rituals.

Howl sowth, tor leun, pareusi an gwenton.

(A southerly sun, a full belly, prepare the spring) Cornish saying

by Eventide, ©2004