Imbolc, St Brigid's Day, and the arrival of spring

The first daffodil of the season bloomed this morning

Imbolc (1 February) is a Gaelic traditional festival. It marks the beginning of spring and is held on 1 February, which is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Historically, its traditions were widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. #folklore 

It is one of four seasonal festivals in Gaelic Ireland along with Beltane (1 May), Lughnasadh (1 August) and Samhain (1 November). One of the focal points of the agricultural year in Ireland, Imbolc represents the starting point of preparations for the spring sowing. Technically, it's not the 1 Feb, but rather from dusk on 1 Feb to dusk on the 2 Feb. Naturally, the Christians took it over and adopted the Celtic Goddess Brigid as well, when Imbolc became Saint Brigid's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Bríde; Scottish Gaelic: Là Fhèill Brìghde; Manx: Laa'l Breeshey). 

The traditions from Celtic pagan times are not that well preserved. On St Brigid's Eve, Brigid was said to visit virtuous households and bless the inhabitants. They would make crosses out of reeds and prepare a bed for her. Last night was St Brigid's eve so I left a  scarf outside to be blessed by the saint (or pagan) as she passed. Known as a 'Bratog Bride' in Irish folklore, this blessed garment can be used as a cure for headaches or sore throats. Let's hope I don't need it but my sister-in-law has Covid and so I might just need its medicinal properties.

In Ireland, a spring cleaning was also customary around the time of St Brigid's Day and Holy wells were visited. I think I'll skip that part for now. It's a miserable day, with drizzle on and off. Oh well. 

Happy Imbolc!