Imbolc / Candlemas (2024)

FAQs

Are Imbolc and Candlemas the same? ›

Imbolc is a Wiccan and pagan holiday, that is sometimes referred to as Candlemas or Oimelc. The celebration of Imbolc originates from the Celts. Imbolc symbolizes the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara).

Imbolc fires

Imbolc pays homage to the returning light, and a quintessential tradition involves lighting candles to symbolise the growing sun. Create a sacred space within your home and adorn it with candles of varying sizes. As you light each one, reflect on the increasing daylight and the warmth it brings.

Imbolc means “in the belly” and celebrates the pagan Celtic goddess Brigid, who is the goddess of inspiration and creativity, healing, smith craft and poetry. In ancient times Imbolc was celebrated as a time to reaffirm life and start thinking about the coming harvest season.

In recent centuries, its traditions have included weaving Brigid's crosses, hung over doors and windows to protect against fire, illness, and evil spirits. People also made a doll of Brigid (a Brídeóg), which was paraded around the community by girls, sometimes accompanied by 'strawboys'.

Imbolc celebrations took the form of a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility blessings and oversaw poetry, crafts, and prophecy. Wiccans and other practitioners of neopagan or pagan-influenced religions celebrate the holiday.

This Christian festival commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to him as the light of the people of Israel. On this day, Christians take candles to be blessed in church, while for those with a sweet tooth, this day is also a chance to eat pancakes.

Imbolc is most closely associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who was celebrated as the goddess of learning, healing, the smitharts/craftsman and fertility. Unlike many Celtic deities who were worshipped on a more local level, Brigid was widely followed by the Irish-Celtic people.

Imbolc Colours: White and silver for purity, green for the fresh burst of life.

Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc was meant to mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland.

Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolluk with a guttural 'k' sound) is a Gaelic seasonal festival celebrated between January 31 and February 2 – halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox. As the midpoint between the chill and the thaw, we anticipate the changes that Spring has in store for us.

Is St Brigid's Cross pagan? ›

Brigid's Cross is multi-layered. While it's primarily an Irish Christian symbol, it might have its roots in the pagan sunwheel, which was meant to bless the earth with fertility and life.