Imbolc (Candlemas): Description: Religious Holidays and Observances: Cultural Involvement: Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Indiana University (2024)

FAQs

What is Imbolc and how is it celebrated? ›

Imbolc: the day to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Imbolc is the day to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This holiday has been celebrated in the British Isles since the 10th century, poetry and songs about the date mark it as the first day of spring.

Imbolc, celebrated on February 1, has its roots in Irish paganism, where it gradually became conflated with a celebration of St. Bridget as Christianity took hold. Candlemas, on the other hand, is a purely Christian festival and marked on February 2.

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. The term "oimelc" means ewe's milk. Around this time of year, many herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year, or are heavily pregnant.

They do this by setting up an altar with the symbols of Brigid, like a corn husk doll, white flowers, a bowl of milk, and candles. Other pagans aim their rituals toward the cycles of the season. For example, some people do house cleaning rituals as a part of getting ready for spring.

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.

Colors of Imbolc

White, for purity. Green, for new life. Blue, for protection. Gold, for fire.

This Christian festival commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to him as the light of the people of Israel. On this day, Christians take candles to be blessed in church, while for those with a sweet tooth, this day is also a chance to eat pancakes.

It is believed that Imbolc was originally a pagan festival associated with the lambing season and the goddess Brigid.

Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc was meant to mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland.

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.

Who is the god of Imbolc? ›

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.

One of Imbolc's main themes is Brigid's turning of the Wheel of the Year toward spring. Therefore, light plays an important part in the celebration. Some NeoPagans light outdoor bonfires while others employ lots of candles in indoor settings. Candlemas is a Christian holiday that is observed on February 2nd.

Imbolc time is ideal for a ritual of seed planting, with the seeds representing your intentions for the coming month, season, year or longer. These can be for something (or things) you want to manifest—or see show up— in your life. Intentions can also be to affirm and add energy to new habits you are creating.

Beannacht Brighdhe – happy Brigid's day! May your ewes give plentiful milk; may your awakening plants be safe from frost and bloom abundantly once summer comes; may the pale sun grow to warm your spirit and quicken what is most precious to you.

Imbolc pays homage to the returning light, and a quintessential tradition involves lighting candles to symbolise the growing sun. Create a sacred space within your home and adorn it with candles of varying sizes. As you light each one, reflect on the increasing daylight and the warmth it brings.

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.