Celebrating Imbolc, Feasting Festival Of The Gaelic Goddess Brigid

Imbolc, also known as Brigid’s Day, represents the Gaelic festival to celebrate the goddess Brigid in her mother state. It’s said to be associated with the lambing season in ancient Celtic Pagan Festival Celebrations. It marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Traditionally observed by the Gaelic it marks the beginning of spring and for Ireland a feast day of St. Brigid, Ireland's Patroness Saint and recognized with Christians as Candlemas. Celebrations include feasting, making Brigid crosses, visiting holy wells, divination and beginning of spring cleaning.

Traditionally Imbolc is celebrated between the evening of February 1st and the evening of February 2nd. It is one of 4 cross quarter season festivals, Beltane (May 1), Lughnasa (August 1) and Samhain (November 1).

When I think of Imbolc I think of candle light and fire (as Brigid is a fire goddess) to represent the emerging sun and longer days ahead.

Photo: Imbolc Festival in Marsden, West Yorkshire 2007, source Wikipedia Photo: Brigid's cross above a doorway in Downpatrick, source wikipedia

The brigid cross was made by weaving Irish rushes and hung above doors and windows to protect against fire, illness and evil spirits. The Brigid doll (Brideog) was said to be paraded around town by the girls and boys with woven straw costumes (strawboys). It was said Brigid would visit one's home on St. Brigid's Eve to receive her blessings. People would leave her food and drink and even make a bed for her. They also would leave items of clothing outside for her to bless. The holy wells would be visited to pray for health, as they walked around in clockwise (sunwise) circles. The water from the well may have been used to bless the home, family, livestock and fields. Strips of clothing/ribbon or coins may have been left as offerings also.

Traditional Imbolc feast would include colcannon, bannocks, sowans, barmbrack and dumplings.

Enjoy the voice of Nati Dreaddd and Cullen Vance Ft. Johnny Stewart singing

"My Mother Told Me" on youtube.

Sincerely,

Jenni, Owner/Creator

Simply Jenni, LLC and Brands