IMBOLC - Candlemas - Some History, Traditions and Folklore

Imbolc, the second of the four great fire festivals brings the first thaw of winter. It is a time of rebirth, fertility and nurturing under the auspices of the Virgin Goddess. 


In the Christian tradition Imbolc has become known as Candlemas, and is a time for rebirth, renewal, refreshing, purification, cleaning out the old and preparing for the new, spring cleaning, preparing for spring, new hope, new growth, new beginnings. 
 
Now I know where “spring cleaning” came from.  I don’t know I if it is a tradition among many anymore, but we still do this and for sure my Mom did Spring and Fall cleaning.  I think the world would be a happier place if people celebrated and noted the change of seasons like in olden days.  It doesn’t matter what spiritual persuasion you are, it would fit into anyone’s religious and/or spiritual beliefs I would think.   It would make us feel more united with one another and with nature.  Just my two cents.

Imbolc is a holiday with a variety of names, depending on which culture and location you’re looking at. In the Irish Gaelic, it’s called Oimelc, which translates to “ewe’s milk.” It’s a precursor to the end of winter when the ewes are nursing their newly born lambs. Spring and the planting season are right around the corner.

Imbolc brings the very first whisperings of spring. Snowdrops peep up through the cold earth and the tiniest buds begin to form on the trees. Winter is by no means over - in fact the worst is often to come - but there is a glimmer of hope. In northern latitudes, it becomes obvious that the days are lengthening. Candles are lit to represent the return of the Sun the the divine spark of creativity.  

Happiness and Abundance to ALL