It feels a bit strange to write about a quarter day that marks the start of Spring when the snow is blowing and we’ve had windchills of -21°C, but here we are, January 31, on the threshold of Imbolc.
The word Imbolc comes from the Irish í mbolg, which means “in the belly,” a symbol of new life as represented predominantly by pregnant sheep. New life begins in the dark, hidden places, eventually coming forth in the spring. Imbolc also marked the beginning of lambing season. The arrival of the lambs would mean fresh sheep’s milk. This would have been cause for celebration after the lean times of winter. It was a time of ritual cleaning. It also coincided with the blooming of blackthorn, which was commonly used as a cattle-proof hedge.
In Gaelic tradition, Imbolc is when Caílleach gathers wood for the remainder of winter. If it is a sunny day, then winter will last longer because she has had time to collect ample firewood. If the weather is poor, though, it means Caílleach is sleeping and has not collected wood, which means winter is almost over. Imbolc marked the transfer of power between Caílleach, goddess of winter, and Brigid, the goddess of summer.
In Irish mythology, the goddess Brigid was the daughter of Dagda, the great god, and became the wife of Bres, king of the Tuatha dé Danann. Some historians argue that Brigid was Christianized to become St. Brigid. Many of the stories of St. Brigid’s life are rooted in Irish pagan folklore, so it is difficult to know from historical texts whether she was a living person, or a personification of an idea. Whatever the truth, Brigid holds an important place in Irish beliefs and traditions.
In the eighteenth century, we begin to see records of the customs of St. Brigid’s Day. Tonight is Brigid’s Eve where the tradition in Ireland was to collect fresh green rushes and make crosses. Tradition says that on Brigid’s Eve, Brigid would travel across Ireland with her white cow, to bring health, joy, and good luck for the year ahead. The newly made crosses would be left on the doorstep for Brigid to step over and the doors were left unlocked that she might enter the house. On February 1, the crosses would be collected and hung over the doors and in the animal sheds for protection.
There was also the tradition of Brat Bríde, a piece of cloth known as Brigid’s cloak, left out on the hedge, which Brigid would bless on her way by. This cloth would become an item of healing when placed on a person or animal who was unwell or suffering.
On Brigid’s Eve, the Biddy boys would also make their rounds. Dressed in disguises, they call from house to house, playing music and dancing, bringing joy and good luck to everyone for the year ahead; much like Brigid! It is customary to thank the Biddy Boys for the luck they bringing, generally taking the form treats or fruit, but sometimes a bit of money.
Brigid is associated with wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, smithing, and domesticated animals; with many attending practices for each of these associations. Whatever your practices or beliefs with respect to Imbolc, the goddess Brigid, or Saint Brigid; we are coming to the end of the darkness of winter and moving towards the hope and growth of spring. I look forward to the goodness that is coming and hold hope that together we can share joy in our community.