{"id":12686,"date":"2023-01-18T15:32:38","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T14:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/?p=12686"},"modified":"2023-07-25T09:16:10","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T07:16:10","slug":"imbolc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/imbolc\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Imbolc: Imbolc Blessings, Traditions and History"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-12::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-12{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-13::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-13{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-14::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-14{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-15::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-15{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-16::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-16{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-17::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-17{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-18::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-18{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-19::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-19{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-20::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-20{display:block;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab.jpg\" alt=\"Early spring crocus flowers breaking through the snow \" class=\"wp-image-12758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3Crect%20width='1000'%20height='667'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Early spring crocus flowers breaking through the snow \" class=\"wp-image-12758 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Crocus_vencavolrab-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Early spring crocus flowers breaking through the snow (Photo: vencavolrab via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Spring Celebration of Imbolc&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imbolc is an ancient festival celebrating the <strong>change in seasons from winter to spring<\/strong>. It has ancient origins predating Christianity and also probably the arrival of the Celts in Ireland. Recently there has been more awareness about this seasonal celebration and its popularity has grown as people wish to <strong>reconnect more with nature<\/strong>, as well as embrace the mix between <strong>old Celtic and Christian traditions<\/strong> in Ireland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Imbolc?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam.jpg\" alt=\"Wood Anemone is one of the first flowering plants of the year in Ireland. \" class=\"wp-image-12754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Wood Anemone is one of the first flowering plants of the year in Ireland. \" class=\"wp-image-12754 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wood_Anemone_nemorosa_LeoMalsam.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Wood Anemone is one of the first flowering plants of the year in Ireland. (Photo: LeoMalsam via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Imbolc<\/strong> (which is sometimes spelled as <strong>Imbolg<\/strong>), is an <strong>ancient tradition<\/strong> that occurs <strong>midway between the winter solstice and the<\/strong> <strong>spring equinox<\/strong>. It marks the <strong>beginning of the spring<\/strong> and is one of four cross quarter day festivals that were spread between the winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and autumn equinox. The other cross quarter days are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/beltane\/\"><strong>Beltane<\/strong> (1 May)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/lughnasadh\/\"><strong>Lughnasadh<\/strong> (1 August)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/samhain\/\"><strong>Samhain<\/strong> (1 November)<\/a> marking the beginning of the ancient Celtic New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/brigid-goddess\/\">Celtic Goddess Brigid<\/a><\/strong> has a strong connection with Imbolc and the seasonal change that occurs around this time. Christianity later incorporated Brigid into their teaching and it is thought that she became known as <strong>Saint Brigid<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When is Imbolc celebrated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imbolc is celebrated from sunrise on <strong>1 February<\/strong> to sunset on <strong>2 February<\/strong>. In ancient times, the first of the rituals and traditions associated with the festival would occur on the <strong>Eve of Imbolc<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc Meanings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the meaning of Imbolc? There have been several different suggestions as to the Imbolc meaning. Two of the many theories behind the meaning are related to sheep and the cycle of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Three Suggested Imbolc Meanings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856.jpg\" alt=\"Pregnant ewes with big, swollen bellies. \" class=\"wp-image-12694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Pregnant ewes with big, swollen bellies. \" class=\"wp-image-12694 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pregnant_Sheep_Forester1856.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pregnant ewes with big, swollen bellies. (Photo: Forester1856 via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One suggestion about the meaning of Imbolc relates to the old Irish term <strong><em>i mbolg<\/em><\/strong>, which translates roughly as &ldquo;<strong>in the belly<\/strong>&rdquo;. This is thought to refer to <strong>ewes<\/strong>, which at this time of year would be <strong>heavily pregnant<\/strong> and about to give birth to their lambs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other scholars have suggested that Imbolc comes from the old Irish <strong><em>oilmelc<\/em><\/strong>, a term that could be used to describe <strong>ewe&rsquo;s milk<\/strong> as the animals would start lactating around this time to feed their young. <strong>Milk is therefore often connected with this celebration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another alternative origin of Imbolc stems from the old Irish word <strong><em>folcaim<\/em><\/strong> meaning to <strong>clean or purify<\/strong>. The Romans also celebrated a similar ritual around this time called&nbsp; Lupercalia. <strong>Did you know<\/strong>? The month of February gets its name from the cleansing instruments, <strong><em>februa<\/em><\/strong>, used as part of the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n                <div class=\"ml-form-embed\" data-account=\"1451834:z8v5q8j9c3\" data-form=\"1342994:q3e2p6\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to pronounce Imbolc<\/strong>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are wondering about the sound of the Imbolc pronunciation, it should sound like this. This is a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/Imbolc\"><strong>useful audio clip<\/strong><\/a> on Wikipedia that might help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc Blessings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72.jpg\" alt=\"Water and cleansing rituals are also typically associated with Imbolc. \" class=\"wp-image-12762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Water and cleansing rituals are also typically associated with Imbolc. \" class=\"wp-image-12762 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flowing_water_stream_mmac72.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Water and cleansing rituals are also typically associated with Imbolc. (Photo: mmac72 via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many possible goodwill blessings that you could wish someone for Imbolc. It is a time of <strong>joy<\/strong>, <strong>rebirth<\/strong>, <strong>reawakening<\/strong> and <strong>purifying<\/strong>. Here are a few examples of appropriate blessings to suit the occasion of Imbolc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day,<br>May songbirds serenade you every step along the way,<br>May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that&rsquo;s always blue,&nbsp;<\/em><br><em>And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.<br><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>May the blessings of light be on you,<br>Light without and light within,<br>May the blessed sunlight shine on you till it glows like a great peat fire.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer.jpg\" alt=\"A traditional thatched cottage in Ireland. A Saint Brigid's Cross would often be found near the door of such cottages. \" class=\"wp-image-12750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A traditional thatched cottage in Ireland. A Saint Brigid's Cross would often be found near the door of such cottages. \" class=\"wp-image-12750 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Thatched_Cottage_Ireland_stevegeer.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A traditional thatched cottage in Ireland. A Saint Brigid&rsquo;s Cross would often be found near the door of such cottages. (Photo: stevegeer via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>St Brigid&rsquo;s Blessing&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>May Brigid bless this house wherein you dwell<br>Bless every fireside every wall and door<br>Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof <\/em><br>B<em>less every hand that toils to bring it joy<\/em><br>B<em>less every foot that walks its portals through<br>May Brigid bless the house that shelters you<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More <strong>Irish blessings<\/strong> can be found <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-blessing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to celebrate Imbolc?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different Imbolc traditions that can easily be replicated without too much trouble. If you are thinking of celebrating Imbolc, why not try one or two of the suggestions below. (More information about the history and the origins are given further down the article.)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ways to celebrate Imbolc<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee.jpg\" alt=\"Lighting a candle is a simple way to celebrate Imbolc. \" class=\"wp-image-12702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Lighting a candle is a simple way to celebrate Imbolc. \" class=\"wp-image-12702 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Candles_with-Flame_Seung_Heon_Lee.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lighting a candle is a simple way to celebrate Imbolc. (Photo: Seung Heon Lee via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Fire and light are commonly associated with Imbloc so one of the most traditional ways to celebrate would be to mark the occasion of Imbolc with a <strong>fire<\/strong> or <strong>candles<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make your own doll<\/strong> out of straw, rushes, oats or equivalent is a creative way to mark the traditional celebration. There are different <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_axrwXKBMuA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">videos<\/a><\/strong> and tutorials available online that can help guide you on how to do this. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is also possible to create a small <strong>altar for Brigid<\/strong> with candles, perhaps a bowl of milk or some woolen items to symbolize the connection with sheep.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake the traditional bread of <strong>Bannock<\/strong>, which was baked over the hearth and commonly eaten on the eve of Imbolc may be another appropriate way for you to mark the occasion.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you want to continue being creative, then you could also attempt to <strong>make a Saint Brigid&rsquo;s Cross <\/strong>and hang it in your home. Instructions on how to make one of these traditional crosses are available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JwDDdJT_EYo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>here along with some other traditions<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid have strong associations with healing, especially with water. A <strong>visit to a holy well<\/strong> or any available <strong>stream<\/strong> or <strong>river<\/strong> may be a suitable way for you to mark this occasion and be part of your own purifying ritual.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you happen to be on the island of Ireland around Imbolc, why not take part in one of the Imbolc events there such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie\/mid-kerry-biddy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Biddy&rsquo;s Day Festival<\/strong><\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imbolcfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Imbolc International Music Festival<\/strong><\/a>? Other festivities are held at other locations outside of Ireland as well, such as the Imbolc Festival at Marsden in West Yorkshire in England too.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Holy wells, like Brigid's Well in Kilcullen, County Kildare are common in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-12698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Holy wells, like Brigid's Well in Kilcullen, County Kildare are common in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-12698 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kilcullen_Brigids_Well_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Holy wells, like Brigid&rsquo;s Well in Kilcullen, County Kildare are common in Ireland. (Photo: Gareth Wray, &copy; Tourism Ireland via Ireland&rsquo;s Content Pool)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How is Imbolc celebrated<\/strong><strong>? Past and Present Guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Details about Imbolc history and traditions are relatively scarce in early literature. It is first thought to have been first recorded in Irish literature dating back to the <strong>10th century<\/strong>. However, this important celebration had much earlier origins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc in Neolithic Times<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit.jpg\" alt=\"The sunlight passage of the Mound of Hostages at the Hill of Tara, County Meath with visible Neolithic carvings.\" class=\"wp-image-12690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The sunlight passage of the Mound of Hostages at the Hill of Tara, County Meath with visible Neolithic carvings.\" class=\"wp-image-12690 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MOund_of_Hostages_HIll_of_Tara_irelandscontentpool-chris-hill_C_Government-of-Ireland-National-Monuments-Service-Photographic-Unit.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The sunlight passage of the Mound of Hostages at the Hill of Tara, County Meath with visible Neolithic carvings. (Photo: Chris Hill, &copy; Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit via Ireland&rsquo;s Content Pool)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <strong>Neolithic times<\/strong> (before the Celts arrived in Ireland), the solar events were important markers for the agricultural year. At least two ancient monuments in Ireland have connections with pagan Imbolc and had it as a seasonal marker in their ancient agricultural calendar.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around Imbolc (and Samhain), sunlight enters through the passageway of the <strong>Mound of Hostages<\/strong> on the <strong>Hill of Tara<\/strong>, County Meath. This tomb was built around the same time as <strong>Newgrange<\/strong> in the Boyne Valley, County Meath roughly <strong>5000 years ago<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the cairns, <strong>Cairn L<\/strong>, at <strong>Loughcrew in County Meath<\/strong> is also aligned with the Imbolc and Samahin sunrise. (This cairn cannot be visited by the public as it is on private land.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact significance of this sunrise alignment of these ancient monuments is not completely known or understood, but this transition period between the harsher winter weather and the milder spring would have been an <strong>important marker<\/strong> in the calendar for agriculture, indicating the need to soon sow crops.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Goddess Brigid Imbolc Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Celtic Goddess Brigid<\/strong> (also sometimes known as <strong>Brighid<\/strong>, Br&iacute;d or <strong>Brigit) <\/strong>is a <strong>triple goddess<\/strong> associated with spring, the cycle of life, fertility and birth. Some of her other attributes are <strong>healing<\/strong>, <strong>poetry<\/strong> and <strong>smithcraft<\/strong>. She often represents <strong>light<\/strong> and is occasionally depicted as having <strong>flames<\/strong> or <strong>fire<\/strong> in her hands or above her head. Brigid the goddess is sometimes referred to as the <strong>Imbolc Goddess<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Discover more information about the Goddess Brigid in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-gods-and-celtic-goddesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gods and Goddess guide<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not difficult to see the connection to this early springtime part of the year, when the <strong>days become longer<\/strong> and there is more <strong>light<\/strong> and where there is <strong>new growth<\/strong> not only in the vegetation, but also the animals such as sheep which would have been exceptionally important in ancient times.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Celebrations involving fire were common in ancient Ireland. This is a fire to mark another important festival, Beltane on 1 May held at the Hill of Uisneach, County Westmeath. \" class=\"wp-image-12706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Celebrations involving fire were common in ancient Ireland. This is a fire to mark another important festival, Beltane on 1 May held at the Hill of Uisneach, County Westmeath. \" class=\"wp-image-12706 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Festival_of_Fires_HIll_of_Uisneach_Westmeath_Irelandcontentpool_C_Failte_Ireland_Tourism-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Celebrations involving fire were common in ancient Ireland. This is a fire to mark another important festival, Beltane on 1 May held at the Hill of Uisneach, County Westmeath. (Photo: &copy;F&aacute;ilte Ireland\/Tourism&nbsp;via Ireland&rsquo;s Content Pool)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, <strong>fires<\/strong> would have been lit in <strong>prominent places<\/strong> such as hilltops on Imbolc. These would have been used to <strong>give thanks<\/strong> to Brigid for the previous year and as a sign of hope that the upcoming year starting with the Celtic spring would be a prosperous one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the eve of Imbolc, the first of the usual rituals for the festival would begin. An <strong>effigy of the Goddess Brigid <\/strong>would have been made from <strong>gathered oats or rushes<\/strong> and clothed. This doll-like Brigid, known in Irish as a <strong><em>Br&iacute;de&oacute;g<\/em><\/strong> or (young Br&iacute;d), would have been placed in a basket and brought from house to house by young girls, typically the unmarried ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This doll would have been placed in a specially made <strong>Brigid&rsquo;s bed<\/strong> next to the hearth at night along with <strong>food and drink<\/strong> for the visit from Brigid. Strips of cloth typically in red or blue (known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rte.ie\/brainstorm\/2020\/0131\/1112002-how-the-celtic-festival-of-imbolg-marks-the-first-day-of-spring\/\">Bhrat Bhr&iacute;de<\/a> strips) would have been placed for Brigid to <strong>bless<\/strong>. These textile items would then have been used as <strong>special bandages<\/strong> throughout the year for their <strong>protective<\/strong> and <strong>healing powers<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a <strong>search through the ashes<\/strong> in the hearth in the morning revealed a <strong>mark from Brigid<\/strong> it would be seen as a good omen. However, if there was no discernable mark, the outlook for the coming year was not so optimistic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(<strong>Note<\/strong>: Some of the traditions developed around effigy to the Goddess Brigid probably predate St. Brigid. However, these were also carried out in later times to integrate into the prayers and worship to St. Brigid.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Saint Brigid Imbolc Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid.jpg\" alt=\"Ribbons and trinkets are often found near holy wells. While the intentions are undoubtedly good, please don't leave anything but your footprints behind in these natural areas. \" class=\"wp-image-12746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Ribbons and trinkets are often found near holy wells. While the intentions are undoubtedly good, please don't leave anything but your footprints behind in these natural areas. \" class=\"wp-image-12746 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ribbons_Cloth_holy_well_St_Brigid.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ribbons and trinkets are often found near holy wells. While the intentions are undoubtedly good, please don&rsquo;t leave anything but your footprints behind in these natural areas. (Photo: Stephan Barnes via Canva) <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The belief in the Goddess Brigid in pre Christian Ireland was particularly strong. During the rise of Christianity in Ireland, it is thought that rather than banishing the idea of the Celtic Goddess Brigid, she was instead<strong> incorporated into the Christian teachings<\/strong> into the form of Saint Brigid (sometimes spelled as Brigit, Bridget or Br&iacute;d). Even the feast day of Saint Brigid falls on <strong>1 February<\/strong>, the same day as Imbolc, the traditional start of spring and the biggest celebration of Brigid in the entire year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the Goddess, Saint Brigid is also associated with <strong>milk, fire and water<\/strong>. Saint Brigid became the saint of <strong>nuns<\/strong>, <strong>women<\/strong>, <strong>birth<\/strong>, <strong>babies<\/strong> and <strong>midwifery<\/strong>, so the intricate connections with the Goddess Brigid as a <strong>healer<\/strong> with strong connections to fertility (some say the Fertility Goddess) and women continues to be perpetuated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>St. Brigid is one of <strong>three patron saints<\/strong> of Ireland, the other two being male (<strong>St. Patrick<\/strong> and <strong>St. Columba<\/strong> or St. Colmcille). Some scholars suggest that Saint Brigid was born close to <strong>Dundalk in County Louth<\/strong> during the <strong>5th century<\/strong> and was converted to Christianity through Saint Patrick. She is often known as <strong>Saint Brigid of Kildare <\/strong>as she established the <strong>first nunnery in Ireland <\/strong>in the county of Kildare.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi.jpg\" alt=\"Fire is strongly connected bot the Goddes Brigid and Saint Brigid. \" class=\"wp-image-12710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Fire is strongly connected bot the Goddes Brigid and Saint Brigid. \" class=\"wp-image-12710 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Smouldering_fire_omenlnyskyi.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fire is strongly connected bot the Goddes Brigid and Saint Brigid. (Photo: omenlnystkyi via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The connection to <strong>fire and Saint Brigid <\/strong>survived through the ages and one tale tells of a fire lit in honor of St. Brigid by the nuns in Kildare that burned for <strong>500 years<\/strong>. During that time, only <strong>women were allowed to tend to the flames<\/strong> and <strong>no ash <\/strong>is said to have been produced. Some tales say that it may have been Cromwell&rsquo;s soldiers who extinguished the flames during the 16th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>1993<\/strong>, a fire was once again lit for Saint Brigid, this time in the Market Square of Kildare by the <strong>Brigidine Sisters<\/strong>. It is used as a symbol of peace. The Brigidine sisters have kept the flame burning since then and it is now in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/solasbhride.ie\/meeting-rooms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Brigid Room<\/a><\/strong> of the <strong>Solas Bhride Centre<\/strong> in Kildare Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is a Saint Brigid&rsquo;s Cross?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12714 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Brigids_Cross_relandscontentpool-Gareth-Wray_C_Tourism-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-12\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A traditional St Brigids Day Cross made from reeds. (Photo: Gareth Wray, &copy; Tourism Ireland via Ireland&rsquo;s Content Pool)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A Saint Brigid&rsquo;s Cross is created by <strong>weaving rushes together<\/strong>. Traditionally, these crosses&nbsp; were made on the saint&rsquo;s feast day and were hung in the home, typically by the front door for <strong>protection<\/strong> against <strong>fire, sickness and other misfortunes<\/strong>. Each year the cross would be replaced by a new one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is there such a thing as an Imbolc Cross?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>While this is seen as a very Christian symbol today, it is possible that the origins of this cross possibly date back much earlier. It has been suggested that it is not a Christian cross, but a <strong>symbol of the sun<\/strong>, which would have been associated with the changing seasons around Imbolc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc and the Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth.jpg\" alt=\"Poor weather at Imbolc was usualy seen as a good sign! \" class=\"wp-image-12718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Poor weather at Imbolc was usualy seen as a good sign! \" class=\"wp-image-12718 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rain_in_ireland_mammuth.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-13\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Poor weather at Imbolc was usualy seen as a good sign! (Photo: mammuth via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many traditions, not just in Ireland, about <strong>weather divination<\/strong> around Imbolc. Some tales say that when the weather is fine on Imbolc, it is actually a bad sign for the coming weather.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to one such story, the weather on this day will only be good if the <strong><em>Cailleach<\/em><\/strong> (hag or witch) needs to collect a lot more timber to get her through a longer winter. If the weather is poor or bad, the winter won&rsquo;t last too much longer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Imbolc and <strong>Groundhog Day<\/strong> are not connected (Groundhog Day was established by a newspaper in Pennsylvania in the late 19th century), there are <strong>strong traditions of observing nature and animals at this time<\/strong> to look for indications of what the weather will be like. In Germany, people watched <strong>badgers<\/strong> to see if they came out from their winter retreats. <strong>Hedgehogs<\/strong> were also used as another indicator species in some places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How is Imbolc celebrated today?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography.jpg\" alt=\"Hazel catkins are one of the first signs of spring and are easy to spot in the bare trees. \" class=\"wp-image-12722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hazel catkins are one of the first signs of spring and are easy to spot in the bare trees. \" class=\"wp-image-12722 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Hazel_Catkins_AGEphotography.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-14\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hazel catkins are one of the first signs of spring and are easy to spot in the bare trees. (Photo: AGEphotography via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people now see Imbolc as a way of <strong>getting in touch with nature<\/strong> again. Changes in the <strong>trees and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-flowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">flowers<\/a> <\/strong>at this time of year (depending of course on where you live) act as reminders to reconnect to the world around us. In Ireland, there is often a feeling of spring in the air from early spring, even though <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/ireland-in-spring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spring in Ireland<\/a><\/strong> doesn&rsquo;t officially start until <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/weather-in-ireland-in-march\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">March<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other people opt to see Imbolc as a part of an annual <strong>cleansing ritual <\/strong>as they start their <strong>spring cleaning <\/strong>around this time. This can also be connected with <strong>Candlemas<\/strong>, the Christian holiday that is associated with <strong>purification and cleansing<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Replacing a St. Brigid&rsquo;s Cross<\/strong> is a common way that people tend to mark Imbolc and the feast of St. Brigid. Attending a mass in a church is another.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc Neopagan Celebrations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For neopagans, Imbolc is also an important time. It is celebrated on <strong>1 February<\/strong> for those in the Northern Hemisphere, while those in the Imbolc Southern Hemisphere celebrations are marked on <strong>1 August <\/strong>(or on a date close to the full moon). <strong>Fire rituals<\/strong> feature frequently in the celebrations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages.jpg\" alt=\"Bonfires and fire rituals are commonly associated with Imbolc. \" class=\"wp-image-12766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Bonfires and fire rituals are commonly associated with Imbolc. \" class=\"wp-image-12766 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Bonfire_decisiceimages.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-15\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bonfires and fire rituals are commonly associated with Imbolc. (Photo: decisiveimages via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc Wicca Celebrations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <strong>Wicca<\/strong> religion, the <strong>triple Goddess Brigid<\/strong> plays a large role. Around Imbolc many special <strong>rituals for females<\/strong> take place at this time. Sometimes Imbolc is celebrated at a time closer to the start of spring where the followers live.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc in Ireland<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ireland, many <strong>different Imbolc and St. Brigid traditions<\/strong> developed in different parts of the country. This is an interesting <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rte.ie\/radio\/podcasts\/21902408-imbolc-st-brigids-day\/\">10 minute podcast<\/a> <\/strong>from <strong>The Almanac of Ireland<\/strong> that delves into the variety of rituals from the past that were documented as part of The School&rsquo;s Collection from the 1930s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n                <div class=\"ml-form-embed\" data-account=\"1451834:z8v5q8j9c3\" data-form=\"1347500:o1f2k4\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More recently there has been a revival of some of the older traditional ways of celebrating St. Brigid, the Goddess Brigid and Imbolc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Killorglin and some other areas in mid Kerry in Ireland, a <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie\/mid-kerry-biddy\/\"><strong>Biddy&rsquo;s Day Festival<\/strong><\/a> now takes place. This event is one that <strong>mixes Celtic and Christian traditions<\/strong> in the form of<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imbolc and St. Brigid. The event includes a <strong>parade,<\/strong> as well as some demonstrations about how to make Imbolc crafts such as <strong>traditional straw hats, St. Brigid&rsquo;s Crosses<\/strong> and the <strong>Br&iacute;de&oacute;g<\/strong> <strong>doll<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Derry in Northern Ireland, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imbolcfestival.com\/\"><strong>Imbolc International Music Festival<\/strong><\/a> takes place to mark this annual calendar event. This musical event brings together musicians from several <strong>different genres<\/strong> to create a superb festival. As well as performances, there are also possibilities to get involved and <strong>improve some of your existing traditional music skills <\/strong>in the areas of fiddle, <strong>button accordion<\/strong>, <strong>harp<\/strong> or <strong>uilleann pipes<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mark the Imbolc Date!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From <strong>St. Brigid&rsquo;s Day and Imbolc 2023<\/strong> onwards, Ireland will have a new <strong>national public holiday <\/strong>on <strong>1 February<\/strong> to mark the occasion of Imbolc and Saint Brigid. This means that many shops and attractions will be closed or have different opening hours. Schools and public services are typically closed so don&rsquo;t get caught out and plan ahead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Imbolc FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the main Imbolc Symbols?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The main symbols of Imbolc are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fire<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Milk<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sheep<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Br&iacute;de&oacute;g, Br&iacute;d &Oacute;g or Brigid Dolls<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brannock<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>St. Brigid&rsquo;s Crosses<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fire<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Both the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid are typically associated with <strong>fire<\/strong>. Fire can be thought of as a connection with light, longer days and the ending of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Milk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim.jpg\" alt=\"A nursing lamb (Photo: gollykim via Canva)\" class=\"wp-image-12726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A nursing lamb (Photo: gollykim via Canva)\" class=\"wp-image-12726 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Nursing_lamb_gollykim.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-16\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A nursing lamb (Photo: gollykim via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Milk is the nourishing substance mothers give their young and it&rsquo;s intrinsically connected with the <strong>cycle of life and birth<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sheep<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Sheep commonly <strong>give birth around Imbolc<\/strong>, and either through their <strong>swollen pregnant bellies<\/strong> or their <strong>lactation<\/strong> may have even helped to name this particular ancient Celtic celebration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Br&iacute;de&oacute;g, Br&iacute;d &Oacute;g or Brigid Dolls<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The blessings of the <strong>Goddess Brigid<\/strong> and St. Brigid were seen as being very positive and a visit to the home around Imbolc was a good omen for the year. Offerings such as food, as well as a replica effigy were made to welcome this powerful female figure into the home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov.jpg\" alt=\"There are many different ways to make a straw or reed doll as your own version of a Br&iacute;de&oacute;g. \" class=\"wp-image-12742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov.jpg.webp\" alt=\"There are many different ways to make a straw or reed doll as your own version of a Br&iacute;de&oacute;g. \" class=\"wp-image-12742 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Making_Straw_Doll_Sergeyklototov.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-17\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>There are many different ways to make a straw or reed doll as your own version of a Br&iacute;de&oacute;g. (Photo: SergeyKlopotov via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Brannock<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Brannock<\/strong>, the oat flatbread that could be <strong>cooked in a pan over the hearth<\/strong> and eaten on the eve of Imbolc is another symbol associated with Imbolc and the flame and fire connection to the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid. It is particularly common in Scotland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>St. Brigid&rsquo;s Crosses<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To protect families and their possessions from fire, illness and other evil spirits, a <strong>Brigid Cross<\/strong> would often have been hung over the door to <strong>prevent any misfortune befalling the family<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the main Imbolc foods?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75.jpg\" alt=\"Both the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid are associated with milk. \" class=\"wp-image-12734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Both the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid are associated with milk. \" class=\"wp-image-12734 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Milk_Lilechka75.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-18\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Both the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid are associated with milk. (Photo: Lilechka75 via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dairy products, such as milk and butter<\/strong>, which have affiliations with Brigid the goddess and the saint would typically be consumed (if they were available) at this time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bread<\/strong> and <strong>cakes<\/strong> that could have been<strong> cooked over the hearth<\/strong> such as Brannock, were commonly eaten as part of the Imbolc celebration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other possible meals could have included the Irish dish <strong>Colcannon<\/strong>, which is made of potato and cabbage or kale.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the main Imbolc herbs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova.jpg\" alt=\"Fresh rosemary \" class=\"wp-image-12738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Fresh rosemary \" class=\"wp-image-12738 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rosemary_Aleksandra_Shakhmukhametova.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-19\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fresh rosemary (Photo: Aleksandra Shakhmukhametova via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rosemary<\/strong> is one of the most commonly mentioned herbs associated with Imbolc celebrations. The Goddess Brigid is also thought to be linked to the <strong>bright yellow dandelion flower<\/strong>. This common garden plant is edible, although some people may have skin reactions to the milky substance in the stem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the Imbolc colors?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq.jpg\" alt=\"The color green is associated with Brigid. \" class=\"wp-image-12730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The color green is associated with Brigid. \" class=\"wp-image-12730 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Green_Color_Brejeq.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-20\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The color green is associated with Brigid. (Photo: Brejeq via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Imbolc is a time of <strong>spring growth<\/strong> and <strong>new beginnings<\/strong> in the natural world and therefore <strong>green<\/strong> is a common color associated with this time of year. It is also said to have been the color of the <strong>Goddess Brigid&rsquo;s mantle or cloak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many other supposed color associations with the Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid. The most common colors being <strong>red<\/strong>, <strong>white<\/strong> and <strong>purple<\/strong>, but it is difficult to find much evidence to support this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Irish Gods and Irish Goddesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover more about the Goddess Brigid, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/danu-goddess\/\">mother Goddess Danu<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/aine-goddess\/\">&Aacute;ine the Goddess of Love<\/a><\/strong> and the many other fascinating<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-gods-and-celtic-goddesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Celtic Gods and Irish Goddess<\/a><\/strong> in our detailed guide. Another post that may interest you is the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-tree-of-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Celtic Tree of Life<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Spring Celebration of Imbolc&nbsp; Imbolc is an ancient festival celebrating the change in seasons from winter to spring. It has ancient origins predating Christianity and also probably the arrival &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":12780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[90],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Complete Guide to Imbolc: Imbolc Blessings, Traditions and History<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Imbolc, the Ancient Irish Festival to welcome Spring! 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