Imbolc, sometimes also spelled Imbolg (pronounced similar to i-molk and i-molg respectively) is a Gaelic or Celtic festival. It traditionally marks the beginning of spring on the Celtic calendar. The corresponding calendar date in modern times is February 1, St. Bridget’s Day. However, Imbolc is not to be confused (but often is) with Candlemas (February 2).
Imbolc celebrations… of what?
The Imbolc celebrations will begin at dusk on January 31, in tune with the Celtic tradition of the days that begin with the night.
The date also places Imbolc (roughly) halfway between the important winter solstice and the spring equinox, other special days in ancient calendars. Imbolc is one of the four Gaelic or Celtic festivals that are not directly related to the solstices and equinoxes, but to the changing of the seasons: the others are Bealtaine, Lughnasadh and Samhain. The origin of the festival and the concrete associations with the Celtic pantheon are obscure, a connection with the goddess Brígida or Brigantia is widely assumed (which, again, may or may not have evolved directly into the saint).
The Irish word imbolc probably derives from ” i mbolg ” (Old Irish, more or less “in the womb”, referring to the lives of pregnant women). Another word for the holiday, especially popular in the neo-pagan context, is Oimelc (which translates to “sheep’s milk.” Note that both would refer to the sheep in lamb and the content of the agricultural year, while another theory names to Imbolc as coming from “imb-folc” (which is supposed to mean “a complete wash”) sounds a little less credible.
Imbolc could have been an important holiday in Ireland in the Neolithic period; Although we have no proof of this, the alignment of some ancient monuments seems to point that way, literally. The passage to the Mound of Hostages, part of the “sacred landscape” on the Hill of Tara and perhaps the best known example, is aligned with the rising sun at Imbolc.
The traditions of Imbolc
As for the prehistoric customs of Imbolc, we have to see their continuation in modern times to try to discover them: Irish folk customs on St Bridget’s Day are the main indicator.
Generally speaking, Imbolc would have marked the beginning of spring, or at least a time when the worst of winter had passed, with the days getting longer and the sun getting stronger. The agricultural association with the calving season is obvious, even though there is a window of up to four weeks for this (Imbolc marks roughly the center of this window, making the holiday a good and logical indicator). And while nature reawakens (traditionally the blackthorn is expected to start blooming in Imbolc), it is also time for a deep spring cleaning in the house and on the farm.
Weather Lore in Imbolc
As for better weather, Imbolc was also used as a marker for weather awareness. A legend might have people looking closely at Loughcrew or Sliabh na Cailligh (“Witch’s Hill”): the witch (or the “witch,” the third aspect of the “triple goddess”) is said to decide whether she needs to collect more firewood on this day. If you do, the winter will continue for quite some time with low temperatures. And since she is not the fastest foot, the old woman will make Imbolc a bright, sunny and dry day to facilitate the gathering of firewood.
Hence the saying that if Imbolc is a dirty and wet day, winter will soon be over… and if it is a bright day, buy fuel and warm underwear.
Does it remind you of something? Yes… Groundhog Day has the same rule and is celebrated the day after Imbolc. In Candlemas, when both in England and Scotland, a bad day heralds the end of winter as well.
