Date of Imbolc: 1st/2nd February
Meaning of Imbolc: purity, growth and renewal. The reunion of the god and the goddess, and of fertility. Dispensing of the old to make way for the new. The strengthening power of the sun and the return of light to the world.
Symbols: Besoms, Brigid’s crosses, Candles, Ploughs, Snowdrops.
Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Heather, Iris, Myrrh. All white flowers.
Incense: Basil Bay, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Vanilla, Violet.
Foods of Imbolc: Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, poppy seed cakes, bread, dairy products, lamb, and food that had been stored over winter; smoked meats, dried fruits and nuts.
Colours: White, Pink, Yellow and Green
Crystals: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Onyx and Ruby.
Ways to celebrate: Candle lighting, walking in nature and looking for signs of spring, having a clear out and “spring clean”.

Imbolc, also referred to as St Brigid’s Day and “Candlemas” in the Christian calendar, falls midway between the winter solstice (Yule, 21st/22nd December) and the spring equinox (Ostara, 21st/22nd March). Imbolc was originally a pagan festival associated with Brigid, the pagan goddess of fertility. It is thought that the word “Imbolc” comes from the old Irish “i mbolc” which means “in the belly”, which was a reference to the pregnancy of ewes and brings the association with fertility. Another possibility is from the old Irish is “imb-fholc” which means “to wash/cleanse oneself”, referring to a ritual cleansing.

Traditionally, Brigid crosses were made from reed rush and a doll-like figure known as a Brídeóg (or Bridey Doll) would be taken from home to home as a physical representation of Brigid herself visiting their homes, for which this festival was about. Brigid was often invoked for the protection of the home and livestock, and to receive the goddess’ blessing, people would make up an extra bed for the goddess and leave her a meal and drink.

The festival of Imbolc is of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the returning light and early signs of spring. In the first few minutes after sunrise, people would light a fire or candle in each room of the house in honour of the sun’s returning power and the lengthening days. Celebrations often involved hearth-fires/bonfires, special feasts and divinations and watching for omens. Fire and purification are important aspects to Imbolc. People would clear out the old and the unwanted, de-cluttering both their homes in a ritualistic cleansing of the property and self.  This is where the term “spring cleaning” stems from.

People would visit holy wells as part of the celebration of Imbolc – as with Beltane and Lughnasa – and they would pray for health while walking clockwise around the well. They would leave offerings such as strips of material that were dipped in the holy well known as clooties and/or coins. This tradition with the offering of coins at wells is potentially the origin of what we know today as the “wishing well”.

Imbolc was a time for weather divination in particular. People would take walks and look for the first signs of spring such as snowdrops appearing while watching out for badgers and snakes coming out of their dens. Imbolc was also the time when the Cailleach – a divine hag, greater and weather deity in Gaelic mythology – would come out to gather her firewood for the rest of winter. If the Cailleach wishes to make winter last a good while longer, she will make the day of Imbolc be bright and sunny so she can spend more time gathering her firewood. Therefore, people were full of relief if the day was one of foul weather, as it meant the Cailleach was asleep and winter would soon come to an end.

How do you celebrate Imbolc/Candlemass? Are there any local folktales connected to this festival? Let me know in the comments!

Original article: What is Imbolc?.