Ostara handkerchief

Ostara, or the Spring Equinox, is celebrated on or around the 20th March. The days and nights are equal length with the days getting longer each day. There are plants and flowers sprouting up all over the place and the first of the bumblebees have been spotted. 

This design features many signs and symbols associated with the Spring Equinox including hens and eggs, bees, hares, new growth, birch trees, daffodils, crocuses and aquilegia. I have also included wild garlic which I get very excited about at this time of year. I've included a besom broom to allude to the themes of cleaning and starting anew. The 25th March marked the first day of the new year before the Gregorian Calendar was introduced and it feels like a good time to stop and consider how you are feeling and set some realistic and gentle goals for the brighter days ahead.

The border for many of my designs illustrates trees chosen for their associations with old customs and beliefs. They are Elder, Oak, Ivy and Holly. I have also included some of the phases of the moon.

Each order is wrapped in acid free, unbleached tissue paper and includes a hand written thank you note. I am happy to address this to recipients of gifts at no extra cost. Just let me know in the notes when you place your order. 

The handkerchief is sewn by me in Wales. The image is printed in the UK onto an untreated cotton fabric certified as 100% organic. The approximate size for each handkerchief is 320 mm x 320 mm.