Kari Tauring leads the Ostara celebration at Tapestry Folkdance Center

“Eggs are a universal symbol of spring. That connection arose because chickens start laying eggs again as the days grow longer. I learned that firsthand when we had chickens in the back yard,” laughs Kari Tauring. Kari is a Nordic Roots educator, teaching people about early (pre-Viking) Scandinavian culture and the myths, rituals and arts that connected people to nature, to agriculture and to each other. Her work was recently recognized by the Minnesota State Arts Board, which awarded Kari a 2011 Folk and Traditional Arts grant. Some of these traditions Kari learned through extensive research and travel, while other aspects she learned from hands-on experience. Such as raising chickens in the back yard.

“Often ancient songs were tied to the seasons and told people of the tasks, the endless tasks, they needed to do for that season. The folk songs were a way of organizing and transmitting knowledge. That knowledge kept the community alive,” says Tauring. While agricultural work kept bodies alive, community celebrations kept spirits alive.

Kari, along with folk dancer Carol Sersland, will be keeping community spirit alive in Minneapolis with an Ostara celebration on March 18, at the Tapestry Folkdance Center. A dance workshop was held on March 4 but is not a prerequisite for the Ostara celebration. “There will be plenty of people who know the dances at the celebration who can help others along,” Kari says.

In case you were wondering what an Ostara celebration is, Kari is happy to explain. “Ostara was the Germanic goddess of the land, and she was celebrated as the days became longer, the chickens began laying eggs, and the cows started giving more milk again. The winter food supplies were running low, and the spring foods were just beginning to come in during this time.” In many northern cultures, February was known as a time of fasting, a way of disciplining one’s self to cope with the limited food supply. Once sheep began lambing, eggs became available, and the cows began to again give milk, northern Europeans celebrated and thanked Ostara. As Europe became Christian, many of these traditions were incorporated into Easter celebrations, including the word “Easter” itself, which has its origins in the name Ostara.

The Ostara celebration at Tapestry Folkdance Center will be a joyful celebration of longer days, spring foods, and a chance to spend time with neighbors and community. “While this has been a mild winter, it’s still nice to think about kicking off the boots at the door, then dancing and singing. People are also invited to bring a favorite egg dish to share,” says Kari. Many of the folk dances that will be performed are symbols of the sun. Kari explains “The spiral was a symbol associated with the sun, So, spiral dances there will be!” The event is for all generations, with plenty of children’s songs and games.

Ostara Celebration, Sunday, March 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave. S., 612-722-2914. www.tapestryfolk-dance.org.
Kari also shares her knowledge of Nordic myths and songs at the Nordic Story Hour, held Tuesday, March 13, 11 to Noon, at Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Gifts, 1601 E. Lake St., 612-729-9333. $2.50 per person. Please call to register.

www.ingebretsens.com