A blessed Imbolc to all my friends

[jazzy_dave]

Imbolc is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. Most commonly it is held on 1 February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals — along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain — and corresponds to the Welsh Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau.

Imbolc is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. It is believed that it was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid and that it was Christianized as a festival of Saint Brigid, who is thought to be a Christianization of the goddess. At Imbolc, Brigid's crosses were made and a doll-like figure of Brigid, called a Brídeóg, would be paraded from house-to-house. Brigid was said to visit one's home at Imbolc. To receive her blessings, people would make a bed for Brigid and leave her food and drink, while items of clothing would be left outside for her to bless. Brigid was also invoked to protect homes and livestock. Special feasts were had, holy wells were visited and it was also a time for divination.



Celtic neopagans and Wiccans have observed Imbolc, or something based on it, as a religious holiday. Blessed be.

Comments

[siduri1959]

Happy Imbolc to you, too!

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

Half way through Winter is considered the beginning of Spring? :o
I wish it was looking like Spring here. We have a Winter storm rolling in today. Predicting 12 inches of the white stuff. :o
Hugs, Jon

[sidhe-uaine42.livejournal.com]

Blessed Imbolc to you, too.

I have Hymn to Her by The Pretenders playing in the background right now (just something that I do for the major sabbats.)

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I've never understood why WE would have celebrated anything on February 1st - there will be no signs of spring for another month yet and we think of this as the middle of winter. Good time for a knees up though...

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

May you have a wonderful Imbolc - and may Brigid bring you good fortune! Blessed Be, honey!

*HUGS*

[judo100.livejournal.com]

Besides, don't we all need another holiday around Feb 1? Such a dreary time of year, it's good to have something to look forward to. In the US, the Superbowl fills the same party niche.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

And to you, too!

[tigtogiba34.livejournal.com]

Ooo that is pretty interesting!

[prinzessbtrfly.livejournal.com]

thanks for the education, i don't know anything about these things.