How to Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Rituals, Seasonal Meals, & Wine Pairings
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.I’m so excited for spring this year. This winter has been long and cold, and I’m dreaming of the first warm day when I can sit out by our fire and sip wine on the patio. #heaven
Until then, I thought I’d jump into all the spring vibes and talk about the Spring Equinox and the Pagan holiday of Ostara. At least it makes me FEEL like it’s going to be warm soon!
The Spring Equinox marks the time of year when day and night are in perfect balance, signaling the transition from winter to spring. This year, the equinox is on March 20th (2025).
It’s a celebration of renewal, growth, and fertility observed by cultures around the world for centuries. Whether you follow ancient traditions or simply enjoy marking the change of seasons, the Spring Equinox and the celebration of Ostara are wonderful times to connect with nature and embrace the energy of new beginnings.
The Spring Equinox & Ostara: A Merging of Traditions
The Spring Equinox has been honored in many traditions, including ancient Pagan festivals such as Ostara. Named after Eostre, the Germanic goddess of fertility, renewal, and dawn, Ostara celebrated the earth’s awakening after winter. Germanic tribes marked this seasonal shift with feasts and rituals long before the rise of Christianity.
Many modern Pagan and Wiccan practices still recognize Ostara as part of the Wheel of the Year, celebrating balance, fertility, and the promise of new life. Symbols such as eggs, hares, and flowers all represent renewal and abundance, themes that align perfectly with the energy of the Spring Equinox. Whether you celebrate Ostara or simply welcome the changing season, this is a powerful time to embrace growth and fresh starts.
Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox
The transition of seasons is something we all experience, and recognizing this shift can help you feel more grounded. Here are some simple ways to celebrate:
Spend Time Outdoors – Go for a walk, plant a garden, or sit outside to observe the signs of spring. If you live where it’s snowy like I do, I still try to get outside for at least 15 minutes a day. And I’m starting my seeds indoors for my summer garden.
Decorate with Seasonal Colors—Pastels, greens, yellows, and pinks reflect the energy of the season. This is the time of year when I start putting away all my winter decorations and refreshing my house with spring decor.
Set Intentions – Write down what you want to grow and cultivate in your life this season. This is also an excellent time to reevaluate the goals and visions you may have written down in January. Update them as needed or change direction if need be.
Create a Spring Equinox Altar – Use flowers, candles, eggs, and crystals to represent renewal and balance. I updated my altar with pink candles, fresh flowers, thyme and lavender herbs, and little rabbits.
Cook with Seasonal Foods – Enjoy fresh greens and herbs, and if you aren’t a plant-based eater, include eggs and dairy in your meals. This time of year, I’m patiently waiting for all the fresh greens and vegetables slowly making their way into the grocery stores here in the mountains of Colorado, especially asparagus and spring peas.
Practice Gratitude – Take time to reflect on what you’re thankful for as the new season begins. Every morning, I spend a few minutes writing in my gratitude journal and pulling my Oracle card for the day. It makes me feel so happy and grateful for the day ahead.
Feast Ideas for the Spring Equinox
Feasting is a big part of celebrating seasonal changes, and the Spring Equinox and Ostara are the perfect times to enjoy fresh, vibrant foods. Here are some meal ideas to welcome the season:
Spring Grazing Board – A mix of homemade plant-based cheeses and fresh veggies, paired with a Vermentino.
Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette– A healthy and easy plant-based lunch or dinner paired with a round and luscious Chenin Blanc.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus Tart– Fresh green spring asparagus in a flaky pastry paired with a classic spring wine, Grüner Veltliner.
Vegan Lemon Lavendar Shortbread Cookies – A light and refreshing dessert to welcome spring paired with a slightly sweet Moscato d’Asti.
Grab these recipes and more in my new Spring Equinox Wine and Food Pairing Guide, which comes out on the Spring Equinox, March 20th. 15 plant-based recipes and wine pairings specifically crafted to pair with the spring season. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Click here to have it sent directly to your inbox!
Wines for the Spring Equinox
Springtime gives me all the green, clean, and fresh vibes which is what springtime wines should do. We transition from dark and heavy reds to light and crisp wines or reds with magnetic energy as fresh vegetables and lighter fare make their way to our tables. The following wines are a great way to toast the new season of spring, the Spring Equinox, and Ostara.
Wines that Represent New Birth – Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava symbolize freshness and new beginnings.
Fiery Wines for Aries Season—Bold, energetic reds like Grenache or spicy Zinfandel reflect the sun’s growing strength.
Fresh, Vibrant Whites for Spring – Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and Grüner Veltliner are crisp and refreshing for the season.
Embrace the Season
As the days grow longer and the world awakens from winter, take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of the season. The Spring Equinox is a time of balance, renewal, and fresh starts—whether you celebrate with a feast, a simple walk in nature, or setting new intentions. However you choose to honor this transition, let it be a reminder to embrace growth and joy in all areas of your life.
How do you celebrate the arrival of spring? Let me know below—I’d love to hear your favorite traditions and rituals! 🌿🌸✨
Cheers,
Courtney
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