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Imbolc
by W.Holidays
Imbolc was originally a day to honor the Celtic goddess Brigid
(Brigit), goddess of poetry, healing, and metal work. Imbolc
or
Oimelc refers ewes beginning to lactate and giving birth to spring
lambs. Celebrated on February 2, Imbolc is the halfway mark
between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
According to Gaelic folklore, Cailleach, the old woman of winter,
intends gather firewood every Imbolc to have ready for a longer
winter. She would brighten the sky while she gathered her
wood. Naturally, people looked forward to a dreary, overcast
day
on Imbolc as it meant Cailleach was still fast asleep and winter would
be over soon.
As Christianity took hold, this day became the Feast of St. Brigid and
Candlemas. It is also celebrated in various forms
by Neopagans, Celtic Reconstructionist, and Wiccans.
It is
celebrated on February 2 in the northern
hemisphere and August 1 in the southern
hemisphere. Wiccans celebrate Imbolc as one of four fire
festivals.
Thig
an nathair as an toll
La donn Bride,
Ged robh tri traighean dh’
an t-sneachd
Air leachd an lair.
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"The
serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bride,
Though there should be three feet of
snow
On the flat surface of the ground."
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Scottish Gaelic proverb
Traditions
and customs:
- Ewes begin lactating and giving birth
to spring lambs.
- Predicting the weather by watching for
hedgehogs, snakes, and other burrowing animals come out of their dens.
- Candles and fires are lit representing
the return of the sun and longer days.
- Brigid’s crosses and corn
dollies, representing Brigid, are made.
- It is also a time of
purification. People clean out their houses.
- The
goddess is said to walk the earth on Imbolc Eve, so people left an
article of clothing outside their front door for her to bless as she
passed by. It was said to have healing powers once blessed.
Herbs and flowers associated with
Imbolc: angelica,
basil, bay, chamomile, cinnamon, red clover, crocus, dandelion,
dill, frankincense, heather, myrrh, nettle, orris root,
primrose,
rosemary, rowan, saffron, and snowdrop.
Incense associated with Imbolc: rosemary , cinnamon, wisteria, frankincense, myrrh, basil, jasmine, camphor, and lotus.
Colors associated with Imbolc: white, orange, red, yellow, pink, and brown.
Gemstones associated with Imbolc: amethystm garnet, onyx, and turquoise.
Decorations associated with Imbolc: candles, Brigid's cross, and corn dollies.
Foods associated with Imbolc: dairy products, onions, chives, spiced wine, and herbal tea.
Don't forget to
take a look at the food
and crafts
sections for more ways to
celebrated. Then look through the Celtic section of our Amazon
store!
modified: April 28, 2008
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