11 Facts About Imbolc

Imbolc or Imbolg, called Saint Brigid's Day, is a Gaelic traditional festival.

Imbolc is mentioned in early Irish literature, and there is evidence suggesting it was an important date in ancient times.

Some scholars argue that the date of Imbolc was significant in Ireland since the Neolithic period.

Imbolc suggested that it referred to a ritual cleansing, similar to the ancient Roman festival Februa or Lupercalia, which took place at the same time of year.

Hutton writes that Imbolc must have been "important enough for its date to be dedicated subsequently to Brigid … the Mother Saint of Ireland".

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Original pre-Christian festival of Imbolc is mentioned in several early Irish manuscripts, but they say very little about its original rites and customs.

Imbolc was treated as one of four seasonal festivals in Gaelic Ireland along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain.

Imbolc was believed to be when the —the divine hag of Gaelic tradition—gathers her firewood for the rest of the winter.

Legend has it that if she wishes to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood.

Therefore, people would be relieved if Imbolc is a day of foul weather, as it means the is asleep and winter is almost over.

In Wicca, Imbolc is commonly associated with the goddess Brigid and as such, it is sometimes seen as a "women's holiday" with specific rites only for female members of a coven.