Idunna

<strong>Old Norse:</strong> Idunna <strong>Pronunciation:</strong> Eye-dune-ah
<strong>Alternative:</strong> Iduna, Idunn, Ithun, Idunnor,Ostare, Ostern, Estre, Eostre, Eoster, Eostra, Eastre, Eostur, Eastra, Eastur
<strong>Anglo-Saxon:</strong> Eostre, <strong>Old High German:</strong> Ostara, <strong>Proto-Germanic:</strong> Austrôn (“Eastern One”)
<strong>Austria</strong> is named after Idunna by her alternate name of OSTARA
Idunna (“Rejuvenator”) is the Goddess of the radiant dawn, eternal youth, and rebirth, and so is a fitting matron of Springs’ regeneration of fertility, and life which comes with the return of the growing season.
Idunna is the custodian of the golden apples which allowed the Aesir gods to maintain their youthfulness, and was the only one among the Gods who was allowed to gather them, which she safely kept in a golden chest.
Apples and Eggs are one of the oldest and holiest symbols of life and rebirth among the Germanic folk, appearing as grave-gifts from the Bronze Age onward. Her life renewing Apples and Eggs are merely a symbolic representation of the primordial seeds of life and generative and regenerative ability, the source of life and ‘life germination’ which Idunna bears within her very being.
Idunnas’ (Ostara, to the continental Germans and Anglo Saxons) totem animal is the Rabbit, (which is known as the Easter Bunny) due to its tendency for quick and numerous reproduction. Another of her symbols is the Egg, symbolizing eternal life and fertility. Her memory proved so enduring in Saxon England that the springtime feast was eventually called by her Saxon name; Easter.
Idunna / Ostara is celebrated with a feast day on the Spring Equinox.