Imbolc (Candlemas)

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Imbolc / Candlemas is well known as a Celtic tradition from Neolithic Ireland and Scotland, celebrating the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Imbolc celebrations took the form of a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility blessings and oversaw poetry, crafts, and prophecy. Wiccans and other practitioners of neopagan or pagan-influenced religions celebrate the holiday. The holiday was traditionally aligned with the first day of spring and the idea of rebirth.

Common Practices

Some modern-day pagans focus on celebrating Brigid. They do this by setting up an altar with the symbols of Brigid, like a corn husk doll, white flowers, a bowl of milk, and candles. Other pagans aim their rituals toward the cycles of the season. For example, some people do house cleaning rituals as a part of getting ready for spring. Other families find a pile of snow, gather some musical instruments, and chant to drive away the winter.

Community Considerations

None.

Imbolc (Candlemas)