/Box Insider/How To Celebrate and Honor Imbolc (Saint Brigid’s Day)
Updated by Sydney Bollinger
The winter solstice has come and gone, which means the days are getting longer and we’re inching toward a season of new growth. Imbolc, also known as Saint Brigid’s Day, marks the middle of winter — equidistant between the winter solstice and spring equinox — which begins in the evening on February 1st and ends in the evening of February 2nd every year.
Modern witches familiar with the Wheel of the Year will know that Imbolc is the third sabbat holiday, marking that spring is coming. Even if you aren’t familiar with Imbolc, you might recognize the time of year. In the United States and Canada, February 2nd is also Groundhog Day!
It’s always important to get back to the roots of these traditions and celebrations. Imbolc is a special holiday filled with magick and spiritual meaning, and this year is a perfect time to begin celebrating it.
What is the history of Imbolc?
Imbolc comes from the Celtic tradition and is the celebration of the earth beginning to grow new life. The word ** “imbolc” itself means **“in the belly of the mother” which also reflects this idea of growth, newness, and life that is coming.
Much of this sabbat also revolves around Brigid, a Celtic goddess of fertility and motherhood, as well as passion, fire, serenity, and water.
So where does “Saint” Brigid come in? Saint Brigid of Kildare is the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Brigid and the Celtic goddess Brigid share similarities and actually became tied together in the Middle Ages, as happened with many Pagan traditions like how Christmas and the Pagan holiday Yule became similarly celebrated.
Since then, Imbolc and Saint Brigid’s Day — as well as the aforementioned Groundhog Day — have all taken place on the same day with similar themes. Despite this, Imbolc is still a celebration of its own, with many witches and spiritual people seeing this day as a sacred reminder that new life is on the way after being in a season of darkness and decay.
How do you celebrate Imbolc?
Like many of the sabbats, how to celebrate is really up to the individual and their intuition about how they connect with the day. Even if you are not a witch, you can still honor Imbolc and find power in the day’s spirit.
Foster New Life
By “fostering new life” I don’t mean have a baby—I mean find ways to support growth at home! A simple way to celebrate Imbolc is to plant something, tend to it, and watch it grow. A monthly seed subscription can take out the decision paralysis of what to plant. All you have to do is find a small planter (or even an unused mug), fill it with soil, and sow your seed.
While you’re planting, take mindful moments to think about what it means to go into a season of growth. This is a great time to reflect on how you might see yourself coming out of a winter hibernation and blossoming in the coming months.
Honor Brigid
Deepen your spiritual practice and spend the day honoring Brigid. This looks different for every person. If you have an altar, consider decorating or adding something new to your altar that symbolizes life, growth, or passion: perhaps light a new candle or add dried flowers to symbolize the beauty to come.
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. Typically the crosses were pinned to the front door for protection.
The dolls were often made from similar materials, but can also be made with whatever you have. When you’ve finished, add your doll to your altar, but be sure to keep her away from the burning flame!
Host a Bonfire
Imbolc is a fire celebration. If you’d like to celebrate with friends, consider hosting a bonfire. This is a great way to share the beauty of this sabbat with others and an excuse to get together and find joy in the coming spring.
Let the night be part of the holiday’s ritual: light candles together, plant seeds to take home, and eat delicious food associated with Imbolc. Share breads and cakes with your friends, pass around butter and honey, and consider having something like steamed milk for everyone, too.
Center the symbols of Imbolc and you’ll definitely find beauty in the celebration!
