HAPPY IMBOLC! SOME OF YOU ASK JUST WHAT IS IMBOLIC ALL ABOUT?
For those of you that have been following me. You know that I am an eclectic witch. That means that I follow and study different traditions and occult studies. I also like to share information. This post is for all my spiritual friends that are celebrating today and also for my spiritual family who may not know what the meaning is or all about. This post is about learning new information not focusing on practicing what I or other people are practicing! It's always good to keep an open mind and learn how others live, their culture and beliefs we don't necessarily have to practice what others believe.
Knowledge is power!
Imbolc or Imbolg ([ɪˈmˠɔlˠɡ]), also called (Saint) Brigid's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Bríde, Scottish Gaelic: Là Fhèill Brìghde, Manx: Laa'l Breeshey), is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. It is held on 1 February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.[1][2] Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain[3]—. For Christians, especially in Ireland, it is the feast day of Saint Brigid.
Imbolc, or Imbolic as it is sometimes spelled, is mentioned in early Irish literature, and there is evidence suggesting it was also an important date in ancient times. It is believed that Imbolic was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid, and that it was Christianized as a festival of Saint Brigid, who is thought to be a Christianization of the goddess.[4] At Imbolc, Brigid's crosses and a doll-like figure of Brigid–called a Brídeóg–were made. The figure would then be paraded from house-to-house by girls, and sometimes accompanied by 'strawboys'. Brigid was said to visit one's home at Imbolc. To receive her blessings, people would make a bed for Brigid and leave her food and drink, and items of clothing would be left outside for her to bless. Brigid was also invoked to protect homes and livestock. People participated in special feasts and visits to holy wells, and it was a time for divination.
Although many of its customs died out in the 20th century, it is still observed and in some places it has been revived as a cultural event. Since the latter 20th century, Celtic neopagans and Wiccans have observed Imbolc as a religious holiday.[1][2]
SOURCE INFO FROM WIKIPEDIA : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc