Imbolc (2024)

FAQs

Is Imbolc February 1 or 2? ›

Its traditional date is 1 February, about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Historically, its traditions were widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Imbolc is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with: Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain.

Imbolc celebrations took the form of a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility blessings and oversaw poetry, crafts, and prophecy. Wiccans and other practitioners of neopagan or pagan-influenced religions celebrate the holiday.

The celebration of Imbolc originates from the Celts. Imbolc symbolizes the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). The word "imbolc" means "in the belly of the Mother," because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth.

A pagan celebration called Imbolc is observed from February 1 to sunset on February 2 which marks the beginning of the end of winter or, more specifically, the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

Imbolc is most closely associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who was celebrated as the goddess of learning, healing, the smitharts/craftsman and fertility. Unlike many Celtic deities who were worshipped on a more local level, Brigid was widely followed by the Irish-Celtic people.

Imbolc derives from the Old Irish i mbolg meaning in the belly, a time when sheep began to lactate and their udders filled and the grass began to grow.

The story of the first St Brigid's cross comes from a story about an old pagan lord on his deathbed whose servants summoned Brigid to his side to calm him. She held vigil there, comforting him, and in an effort to make him understand the new faith, she picked some rushes from the floor, and wove an intricate cross.

One common practice during Imbolc is the creation of Brigid's crosses. These crosses are woven from reeds or straw and are hung in homes to invoke the blessings of Brigid for protection, healing, and fertility. They serve as a physical representation of our intentions for the coming year.

Imbolc is associated with the quickening in pregnancy, that time when a mother first feels life growing inside her. She may not show much of a belly, and others will not see the movement, but a pregnant woman knows there is a child growing inside her. This is the energy of Imbolc: the beginnings of beginnings.

Imbolc Colours: White and silver for purity, green for the fresh burst of life. Blackberry: Sacred to Brigid, the leaves and berries are used to attract prosperity and healing.

Is it St Brigid's Day or Imbolc? ›

With its origins in the Celtic fertility festival of Imbolc (giving birth), St Brigid's Day on February 1 signals the beginning of spring and an end to the darkness of winter, ushering in a new season of hope and growth on the land and the birth of animals on the farm and in the wild.

Traditionally, honoring Brigid meant participating in intentional, powerful crafts , like Brigid crosses and Brigid dolls . While in the past crosses have always been made out of either reeds or straw, you can also use whatever you have on hand to participate in this ritual.

Imbolc is often celebrated with fire rituals, bonfires or gatherings. It is also known as an inward holiday. Solitude in nature or quiet walks are a great way to welcome Imbolc in.

Traditionally it fell on February 1 or 2 and coincided with the Christian holy day Candlemas, another celebration of light, both metaphorical and physical. St. Brigid was a Catholic saint thought to have been preceded by a pagan goddess of the same name.

Imbolc, (Middle Irish, probably literally, “milking”), ancient Celtic religious festival, celebrated on February 1 to mark the beginning of spring.

In ancient times Imbolc was celebrated as a time to reaffirm life and start thinking about the coming harvest season. As Christianity spread from Rome to northern Europe and the British Isles Imbolc was adopted as Candlemass, still celebrated on February 2.

The first of February is a special date in the Irish calendar, as it marks the first day of spring. Traditionally a pagan holiday, called Imbolg, which derived from the old Gaelic (Irish) word imbolc meaning “in the belly”.

Imbolc, celebrated around February 1st or 2nd marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is a Celtic festival that signifies the early signs of spring and the awakening of the earth from its winter slumber.