Imbolc? What is THAT?

In a few days the pagan sabbat of Imbolc will be upon us! This is one of the four major "holidays" or sabbats in the wheel of the year.  (The others are Beltane, Lammas and Samhain) This year, I have seen sites indicating that we celebrate Imbolc on February 1st though it is traditionally celebrated on February 2nd. 

Many people will say the word Imbolc exactly as it is written or phonetically. And this has become quite acceptable in our modern age. The traditional way to say the word involves a silent "b" and a silent "c" making it pronounced like "ee-mole"; with the accent on the first syllable. 

Other holidays and festivals that occur at the same time include Candlemas, Groundhog day and St. Brigid's Day. Imbolc has been celebrated by Ancient Celts, Ancient Egyptians and Babylonians in years past. This holiday honors the Celtic Goddess of fire, fertility and the young as it seeks to usher in the spring weather. It marks the decrease in winter and the increase in spring time when days become longer. 

One of the traditional customs of this day is to ritualistically light all of the candles in the home in an effort to lure back the sun and longer days. This is where the term Candlemas was derived from. In modern days, we can honor this tradition by lighting candles in our home in each of the windows or in a circular pattern to form a "candle wheel". Alternately, one could turn all of the lights on in the house for a short period in honor of the returning sun. 

Much like the American tradition of Groundhog day, when we look for the groundhog to see its shadow to mark the coming of spring; in the Celtic lands it is common that if they should hear a lark singing on Imbolc it was a sign that spring was nearing. Another Imbolc custom relates to the creation of Grain Dollies. These are little dolls made from sheaves of grain together. 

As with most holidays, pagan or otherwise, there is always an element of food involved! Since this is a holiday that marks the coming spring season, the foods involved are related to what our ancestors would have had available at the time. Now, the term Imbolc means "In the belly" or Ewes Milk" so we see that this is a time when the livestock would begin lactating, and thus dairy and milk are integral aspects to the feast. Other foods would include honey and seeds.

What are some of the modern day ways you can think of to celebrate or honor this time of year when winter is coming to an end and spring time is nearing? 

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