cleaning & cleansing, washing, creativity, poetry, protection, healing, connecting to nature, renewal, and light
Cros Bríde (Brigid's crosses)
Brídeóg (doll of Brigid)
Brat Bríde/Bratóg Bríde/Brigid's Cloak or cloth blessed by Brigid (the saint and/or goddess)
ewes, lambs, sheep, cows, animals awakening from hibernation
cream and milk, cheese and butter, especially dairy from ewes or sheep, oats and porridge, seeds, eggs, honey, breads (especially bannock), herbs, blackberries, wild onion, wild mustard, & garlic
herbs may include yarrow, ground ivy, nettle, burdock, winter cress, cowslip, and more
farms, birth, fertility, lambing season, whistling, and holy wells
snowdrops, white wildflowers, yarrow, crocuses, the first flowers that bloom
Imbolg is one of the fire festivals, often celebrated on February 1st, with January 31st being a sort of “eve.” A great feast may be had on February 1st. Also may be celebrated on February 1st and 2nd. Some wait until they see the first signs of green, or the first lamb born.
The word Imbolg may be based on the Old Irish word i mbolg (meaning: in the belly) or the word oímelc /oí-melg (ewe’s milk). There is another word, iomfholc (washing or bathing). Scholars debate the word’s origin.
** Little is recorded of how Imbolg was celebrated historically in Irish paganism, though it is mentioned.
One of the first recorded mentions of the festival refers to ewes milk.
This brings “the rush of warm milk as ewes begin lambing, the return of rich butter, and golden yolks from eggs newly laid.”
The Hibernica Minora includes an Old Irish poem stating it to be proper to wash the head, feet, and hands at Imbolg.
We can infer that dairy, particularly dairy of ewes and sheep, would have been an important part of this day, as well as ritual cleansing.
On Brigid—
St. Brigid’s lore is likely based on that of the goddess. Scholars infer that the saint’s involvement in Imbolg was influenced by the goddess’ ties.
Brat Bríde:
“On St. Brigid’s Eve the old people always hang out a white piece of cloth on the thatch of the house. They ask St. Brigid that the cloth may have the same power as St. Brigid’s Cloak. They bring the cloth in, in the morning, and put it away safely. They say that it is a certain cure for a headache to tie this cloth around it. (County Kerry — duchas.ie)
In Galway, other garments of clothing may be left out as well. Others leave a ribbon, old cloth, or scarf. Some use it only for headaches, others use them for any ache or pain, good luck, and even safe travels (Irish Pagan School). She pays a visit to homes the night before Imbolg to bless them.
Cros Bríde:
You may also craft a cros bríde (Brigid’s cross). Often out of straw or rushes gathered the day prior to Imbolg, but they’ve also been made out of grasses, leather, wire, and even cloth. (Some recommend to pull the rushes, not cut them. Spirits are averse to iron. Some even say, if cut with iron, you will deter Brigid.) There are 23 different varieties of these crosses. Don’t be afraid to use what you have.
Cros bríde, hung over the home’s entrance, are said to protect from fires, famine, illness, and prevent evil people from entering.
Other ways to honor Brigid:
light candles in windows for Brigid
gather water from holy wells of Ireland
make corn dolls / Brigid’s dolls
chant, pray to Brigid, expressing gratitude to her
clean and cleanse the home before Imbolg, to honor her arrival
Other activities of Imbolg
Fire festivals are a cause of celebration. As Imbolg lies between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, many activities that celebrate and herald in the springtime can be appropriate. (Feb 1st may not seem like the start of spring to those in the U.S.—February is a month of springtime in Ireland.)
Here are some other ideas:
dancing
bonfires
planting seeds
feasting—dairy and grain dishes
make sun water and moon water the day before Imbolg and save to use through the year
