Feature

Imbolc (Brigid’s Day) 2021

Imbolc, also called Brigid’s Day, is a Gaelic traditional festival, traditionally held on 1 February,  marking the beginning of spring.

Since the late twentieth century, Celtic neopagansand Wiccans observe Imbolc as a celebration of purity and rebirth. It is a celebration of the Sun King waking up and the light beginning to return after the winter months. Imbolc is a time to light fires to celebrate the warmth returning and it’s a time to let go of things that are holding us back – whether that thing is emotional or physical.

The altar at this Greater Sabbat is decorated with white swan feathers; candles in colours of green, gold, white and yellow; snow drop flowers; Brigids doll, Brigids cross; orange and red ribbons. Incense burnt at this sabbat are smells such as; vanilla, myrrh, basil, carnation and spring flower. Kitchen magic can be carried out, baking cakes such as lemon and poppy seed cakes; lemon is for purity and poppy seeds represent new growth. Many begin planting the seeds in their herb garden or even in wild places.

Words and Images by Olivia Davies

Categories: Feature, Uncategorized

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