Imbolc/ Imbolg by Celtics, Lupercus, St. Bridget’s Day by Christians, Candlemas or Candlelaria by Mexicans, the Snowdrop Festival, the Festival of Lights, and the Feast of the Virgin. Imbolc means “in the belly.” All virgin and maiden goddesses are honored at this time. It is also called Oimealg by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word “oimelc” which means “ewes milk.” Herd animals have given birth to the first offspring of the year. It is the time of blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year.
As nature shifts from the dark dormancy of winter to the life inducing powers of the strengthening sun that heralds the approach of spring. Our desire for the spring of new possibilities and the end of the long winter of our soul drives us to Brigid’s doorstep. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Although Imbolc is considered a major fire festival, the emphasis is on the light and not the heat. Imbolc is associated with the myth and legends of Brigid, the patroness of smithcraft, poetry, and healing. It is said in her legends from Ireland that a snake comes up from the womb of mother earth to test the weather (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth. Brigid, being informed winter is weakening, appears with her white wand and is said to breathe life into the mouth of the dead winter and bring him to open his eyes to the signs of spring. The venom of the cold is said to tremble for its safety on Bride’s Day and flee for its life on St. Patrick’s Day. The light increases and the land begins to warm, while the year is still young. A fresh green mantle is spread across the land and brings the first of the flowers and buds to bloom. Her sacred symbols of purity are the white snowdrops and swan. Brigid’s generosity was well known to both wildlife and the poor. Her healing wells also give her power to those in need, even to this day. Her legend, however, that is most well known is that of her eternal fire at temple. Brigid is a fire goddess and the keeper of the living flame, the spark of life, and of the sacred wells that give the water of life. In this aspect, her symbol is a candle.
The 1st of February belongs to Brigid, (Brighid, Brigit, Bride) the Celtic goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint. Originally her festival on February 1st was known as Imbolc or Oimealg, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life giving forces of spring. Later, the Catholic church replaced with festival with Candlemas Day on February 2nd which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions. The powerful figure of Brigid the Light Bringer over lights both pagan and Christian celebrations. In most parts of the British Isles, February is a harsh and bitter month. In old Scotland, the month fell in the middle of the period known as Faoilleach, the Wolf month. It was also known as a’marnh mhios, the Dead month. But although this season was so cold and drear, small but sturdy signs of new life began to appear: lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens began to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice.
In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then whiskey, the “water of life” is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Imbolc is also the day the Cailleach gathers her firewood for the rest of the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood to keep herself warm in the coming months. As a result, people are generally relieved if it is a day of foul weather, as it means the Cailleach is asleep, she will soon run out of firewood, and therefore winter is almost over.
From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,
