Die Oschdre

[Rob]

This weekend Distelfink members welcomed the arrival of spring with a ceremony dedicated to the goddess Oschdra.

Although little is known about Oschdra, Jakob Grimm states in Teutonic Mythology that Her name lives on in places in the German lands (IV, 1371) and that She is considered to be a White Lady (III, 908) along with Holle, Berchta, and others. She heralds the arrival of spring, and the hare, which is sacred to Her, has become one of the longstanding traditional symbols of the arrival of spring. The egg, serving as a symbol of fertility, is another sight that is commonly seen paired with the hare. These two elements appear in American Easter (the name of which is derived from the same root as Oschdra) traditions, many of which were brought to this country by the Deitsch immigrants. 

The term "Oschdre," with the contemporary meaning of "spring equinox," is plural, which indicates that the observance lasted for more than one particular day. Thus, we continue to celebrate Oschdra's arrival for several days afterwards, seeking Her blessings on plants that are peeping out of the soil and on seeds that we will use throughout the season.

We welcome Oschdra's arrival on a cart that is wheeled past an offering to Her. Upon the cart we place some of the plants that are already growing inside the home or greenhouse along with any seeds for which we will seek blessings. The cart is taken into the house (or, in the future, temple)  and is present throughout the Urglaawer rite. Items from the cart can be shared among the ceremony's participants as a welcomed reminder of spring's coming warmth.

In the post-modern era, most of us are separated from the harshness of winter by our modern conveniences. It is very difficult to imagine how much the arrival of spring meant to our ancestors!

So today we honor Oschdra, the goddess of the radiant dawn... the goddess of upspringing light... a spectacle who brings joy and blessing to a land and a folk who are eagerly awaiting rebirth!