Imbolc

Imbolc (pronounced "im-olk"), also sometimes Oimelc, is the pagan celebration of the start of Spring. In the Northern hemisphere it is celebrated on or around 1st February, and in the Southern around 1st August. Although traditionally celebrated exactly on these dates, many modern pagans calculate it by the date on which the sun reaches 15º Aquarius (Leo in the Southern hemisphere). In the Christian calendar, it is closely associated with Candlemas (on 2nd February) and/or St Brigid's Day (see also the article on St Brigid of Kildare).

Originating among the Celts, where the day was sacred to Brigid (also known as Bridget, Brighid, Brighde, Brig or Bride), Imbolc celebrated the time when lambs are born and start to suckle (the word Oimelc means ewe's milk). This is the time when everything seems to start to come alive again after the long Winter's sleep. As Alexander Carmichael wrote:

"Bride with her white wand is said to breathe life into the mouth of the dead Winter and to bring him to open his eyes to the tears and the smiles, the sighs and the laughter of Spring. The venom of the cold is said to tremble for its safety on Bride’s Day, and to flee for its life on Patrick’s Day."

The daughter of the Daghda (the great God of the Tuatha de Danaan), Brigid was worshipped in three aspects in ancient Ireland. These were Brigid the Poet, Brigid the Physician and Brigid the Smith. In addition to these named aspects, she was also revered as the "woman of wisdom," and goddess of dying, weaving, brewing, regeneration and abundance.

She was guardian of the king of the wild boar, Torc Triath, and owned two oxen called Fea and Feimhean. These three are said to give a warning cry if Ireland is in danger.

Ancient traditions on St Bride's Day (Là Fhéill Bhrìghde) in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland involved a corn dolly made by the young women and decorated with spring flowers, greenery, coloured shells and crystals with one especially bright shell over the heart. This doll, named Bride or Brideag (little Bride), was carried around from house to house. Wherever she visited she received gifts of flowers, crystals and food. Afterwards, a feast was prepared for the next day, at which Bride sat in state while young men from the town called to pay tribute and then to sing, dance and make merry until daybreak. Though it may seem strange, this tradition is still followed on the island of South Uist.

The older women would also make a beautifully decorated dolly, this one from oats, and place her into a basket made as a bed for her. A straight white wand of birchwood (to signify justice, purity and peace) was placed in her hand. The ashes of the fire were carefully smoothed out before retiring and examined in the morning for any marks indicating that she has visited, which would be an omen of increase for the coming year.

If you're looking for a way to commemorate this event, you might be interested in this article: Commemorations with Cross Stitch

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