Part 2/9:
We begin our exploration with the enigmatic figure of Aostra, the ancient goddess of spring, light, and rebirth. Documented by the 8th-century monk Bede, Aostra was honored long before Easter was recognized as a Christian holiday. During the vernal equinox, the day balancing night and day, rituals unfolded in her name.
These rituals involved bonfires to chase away the harshness of winter. Hares and eggs, symbols of fertility and life, played central roles in celebrations that included communal festivities and dances. Aostra's rites were inherently tied to the cyclical nature of life, a concept deeply rooted in early pagan traditions that recognize spring’s vital energy and its demand for union and regeneration.