Wheel of the Year · cross-quarter day
The first stirrings of spring, linked to Brigid.
Imbolc is a Gaelic festival at the start of February, linked in Irish tradition with the goddess and saint Brigid. The meaning of the name is uncertain. A medieval glossary attributed to Cormac (around 900 CE) explains it as ‘ewe’s milk’, which fits the lambing season, but many linguists think that was a guess at an older, unclear word. Another suggestion is ‘in the belly’, referring to pregnant ewes.
The festival falls on 1 February, the day of the Christian Saint Brigid’s Day, and just before Candlemas on 2 February. Many of the customs recorded in later centuries belong to her feast. Brigid is both a saint of Kildare and, in medieval Irish writing, a goddess, and scholars debate how the two are connected.
Customs include weaving Brigid crosses from rushes or straw, leaving a cloth outside on the eve for Brigid to bless, lighting candles, and spring cleaning. It is a gentle festival of beginnings.
Weave a cross from rushes or straw.
Clear the house and welcome the light.