Officially celebrated on February 1 at sunset, Imbolc, or Imbolg, is the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
Its name comes from Celtic meaning "in the belly,” the brewing of new life is beginning.
Imbolc is a Pagan holiday is all about clearing and cleansing, preparing us for rebirth.
Imbolc is the hope of returning light in the spring season.
But it’s the Irish Goddess Brigid, also spelled Brigit, Bride, or Brighid that is the star of the show.
She was considered a triple goddess, representing maiden, mother, and crone.
As with most nature-based holidays, Christianity created its own versions and Brigit was honored as Saint Brigid.
With the Christianization of Ireland, Candlemas was celebrated on February 2 instead of Imbolc.
It was instead renamed the “Feast of Purification” and paid homage to the purification of Virgin Mary and her guiding light instead of Brigit’s flame.
With both the Pagan and Christian versions of Imbolc, the Brigit’s Cross remains sacred symbolism.
Usually made of reeds, it is a solar cross or wheel—she was a Sun goddess of sorts--woven together and used for protection.
