Spring continues the thawing process hinted at during the traditional cross quarter day of Imbolg. Now the young god begins the transition from youth to man. The first hints of puberty begin to transform him presaging the sexual maturity that will come on the next cross quarter festival. It is at this time that Jack-in-the-Hedge, the prototypical green man, makes his first appearance.
The Venerable Bede, in his ecclesiastical history of the British people, discusses this time of the Saxon month of Eostre. The accompanying festival coming on the first full moon following the equinox—this year April 5.
A symbol common across Europe, decorated eggs feature prominently here too. The altar is decorated with early spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and crocus.
European Roe Deer (pictured walking among spring flowers); Roebucks are the only deer that shed their antlers each year making them a historical emblem of the year cycle.