IMBOLC

Known by many names such as; Candlemas, Feast of the Virgin, Festival of Lights, Ground Hog’s Day, Imbolc, Imbolic, Oimealg, Oimelc, and St. Briget’s Day, usually celebrated on February 1 or 2, this special time of year marks the half way point between Winter Solstice and Spring (Vernal Equinox). It is a time of year when we can see the days slowly growing longer. In Gaelic, Oimelc, means ewe’s milk. This day is known as such because many of the sheep have either given birth or their bellies are swelling with new life. Their milk has also begun to flow. This is a time of new hope and fertility. Blessing seeds and the new livestock and consecrating agricultural tools was preformed on this sacred day.

Inner preparation for new intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth is done at this time of year. One old tale says that Brighid’s snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Goddess to test the weather. Another old Scottish verse goes, “If Candlemas day is bright and clear, there’ll be two winters in the year.” These customs may well be the basis for the modern day Ground Hog’s Day custom.

 

SYMBOLS  & FOLKLORE:

Bowls of milk; milk is symbolic of fertility and new beginnings. Any foods containing milk are appropriate at this time. Ceremonies including milk & cheese are preformed as well.
 

Sheep; The ewe’s are the first to drop their offspring. Images of sheep in general are appropriate for decorations. The ewe’s doing this, heralds the approach of Spring.
 

Candle crowns; represent the Goddess Brighid’s crown of light.
 

Brighid’s crosses; these can be made from wheat or grasses.
 

Brideo’gas (corn dolly); An image or poppet usually made of straw or corn is dressed in white symbolizing a maiden bride. It was usually place in a Bride’s Bed.
 

Bride’s Bed; A basket decorated with white flowers in which the Brideo’gas lays. In past days, the bed was carried through local towns receiving offerings from the community. If one did not give a gift, it was said to bring ill times to them.
 

Ploughs; These agricultural tools were decorated and displayed for blessings of a bountiful planting season.
 

Priapic wands; this type of wand is a phallic symbol. It represents fertility, awakenings, new life and, new beginnings.
 

Colours; White and yellow are appropriate colours for this season.
 

ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS: Excerpt from Sacred Seasons: buy ebook with pictures

 

Make a candle crown; FREE PATTERN INCLUDED! Copy provided pattern and cut out bottom band and candles. Glue candles to crown. Tie a ribbon or string through the indicated hole areas. Tie to head. Base of candles could also be decorated with artificial daisies or other white and yellow flowers.
 

Make a ewe; FREE PATTERN INCLUDED! Copy provided pattern and have kids draw a face on sheep. Take cotton balls and glue to pattern for wool. * Sheep wool could be pink, yellow, or baby blue.
 

Make a Brideo’gas: Fashion a doll shaped image out of straw, wheat or rushes. You could also use grass dolls available at most craft shops. Wrap the doll in white fabric or lace. Envision new beginnings as it is made.
 

Make a Bride’s bed; Take a small basket and place the bride image in it. Decorate with white flowers and any other gifts that you feel are appropriate.
 

Make a Brighid’s cross; Use dried wheat, raffia, or even pipe cleaners. Take two (1 & 2) strands and cross them at the centre. Fold (#2) back on itself around (#1). Turn clockwise. Take (#3) and fold it around the second one, parallel to the first. You should now have a T-shaped piece, with one arm having one strand, another having two and the third having three. Turn clockwise. Fold (#4) strand around the (#3) to form a cross again. Turn clockwise. Fold (#5) around the fourth, parallel to (#1) strand. Continue folding grass around the previous one until the central square is about two inches wide. Make sure to keep it tight. Finally, tie the ends of each arm tightly with ribbon or string. Trim ends with scissors to your tastes or leave wheat tips on.

 

Make a priapic wand; Take a stick 12 -16 inches in length and hot glue an acorn or pinecone to the tip. Wrap white, silver, or yellow ribbons around it and let some length of it dangle. You could also attach bells to the ribbons for a mystical effect. Have the kids frolic outside, touching trees, flowers, and shrubs with it and beckoning the fauna to awaken.
 

Make a holiday paper chain; On yellow or white paper, draw images of the season as mentioned above. Write in words such as Blessed Imbolc or Sabbat Blessings. Cut along lines and bend each strip over to its end. Staple, paste, or tape ends together. Take the next strip and loop it through the first ring. Make sure the text is going in the same direction as the first loop. For different style chains, alternate text rings with solid yellow paper rings, mix and match colours, and let everyone’s creativeness shine through.
 

Excerpt from Sacred Seasons: buy ebook with pictures

Have a Holiday Feast; Make a party spread that’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Add candles and decorations to the food layout to really make it special. Use plastic goblets for your drinks. It makes the meal very special.

EASY FESTIVE FOOD: Cheese & Seed Platter
Cut different types of cheeses and arrange them on a fancy platter with various seeds and nuts. Poppy seed crackers are nice to add as well. Kids love to help with this one.
 

 

 

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