What is Imbolc? The Celtic fire festival that welcomes spring—in February
For centuries, this Celtic festival has hinted at spring’s arrival through fire, light, and ritual.
As the days begin to get longer, thousands gather across Ireland and Scotland to celebrate the return of the light after a long, dark winter. The Gaelic festival of Imbolc is one of the earliest festivities celebrating the start of spring across the world.
Held on February 1—between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara)—this ancient Celtic festival celebrates renewal and birth. Across Celtic traditions, fire is used as a symbol of renewal, fertility, and purification. On Imbolc, it’s common to light candles, host bonfires in the communal spaces of the community, and embrace the seasonal shift of increased light and warmth.
So, what are the key traditions of Imbolc, and why is it celebrated at this time of year? Here’s everything you need to know about the holiday that ushers in spring.
The origins of Imbolc
The festival of Imbolc is one of the four fire festivals across the Wheel of the Year in the neo-pagan calendar. The Wheel of the Year is made up of eight festivals, four for the change in the seasons, and four cross-quarter days (the fire festivals): Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. These serve as halfway points between any given solstice and the equinoxes.
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The word Imbolc translates as “in the belly” in Old Irish—as Imbolc is a celebration of fertility and purification, both in humans and in nature, as spring begins to make itself known.
The first mention of Imbolc comes from Irish literature, in the saga known as The Ulster Cycle. This is thought to have been written sometime between the eighth and 11th centuries, as it’s a series of oral stories, first recorded by medieval scribes.
In the saga, it’s said: “No man will travel this country, who hasn’t gone sleepless from Samain (Samhain), when the summer goes to its rest, until Imbolc, when the ewes are milked at spring’s beginning, and from Imbolc to Beltine (Beltane) at the summer’s beginning, and from Beltine to Bron Trogain, earth’s sorrowing autumn.”
Who does Imbolc honor?
The festival celebrates the goddess Brigid—the daughter of the chief of the gods, Dagda. Known as the Triple Goddess, she is associated with blacksmithing, poetry, healing, fertility, and prophecy.
As Imbolc is an ancient tradition that goes back to the Pre-Christian Celtic world, it celebrates Brigid, the goddess.
In Imbolc, the lands awakening after winter are tied to the goddess Brigid’s connection to fertility and the coming warmer, more bountiful months. The first shoots of wild garlic and the start of milk production for cows are some of the key signs of the start of Imbolc. The references to white cows, sheep, and fresh milk also embody the purification and fertility aspects of Imbolc.
Ancient Imbolc traditions and rituals include a series of fires to thaw out the frozen ground and hanging a Brigid’s Cross, characterized by its equal four corners, over the door or in the rafters as a protection ritual for the home. Ancient peoples also hung sacred cloth outdoors for Brigid to bless with healing energy and listened for a songbird, specifically a lark, to sing out on Imbolc. The lark’s song meant that spring would be early that year.
The evolution of Brigid
Over time, pagan and pre-Christian deities like the goddess Brigid have become incorporated into Christianity. Along with St. Patrick and St. Columba, St. Brigid is one of the three patron saints of Ireland. The Christian celebration of St. Brigid’s Day is the same as Imbolc on February 1.
The legend of Saint Brigid comes from the fifth century, and it’s said she founded the first nunnery in Ireland, in Kildare. Stories about Brigid include restoring a blind nun’s eyesight through prayer, miraculously turning water into beer in a leper colony, and turning one barrel of water into beer for 18 churches.
In Christianity, St. Brigid is considered the patron saint of dairy farmers, cattle, midwives, babies, and blacksmiths, mirroring the goddess Brigid’s connection to fertility. However, it’s important to see the distinction between Brigid, the ancient goddess, and St. Brigid, the Christian saint, despite the similarities that come with their celebrations.
Today, many Imbolc and St. Brigid’s Day festivals overlap—particularly in Ireland—as both traditions center on similar observances and the seasonal shift towards spring. In Scotland, Imbolc is more frequently celebrated under its own name as the country is known for its Celtic heritage.
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In both Imbolc and St. Brigid’s Day celebrations, it’s common to see a Brigid’s Cross over the door, the lighting of candles, and a community-led feast to celebrate the return of the warmer season. Imbolc traditions tend to center on nature, with customs like taking walks, planting seeds, and listening for the lark's song. In contrast, Christian celebrations of St. Brigid’s Day emphasize Brigid’s healing power, often marked by visits to holy wells all around Ireland.
Modern pagan Imbolc traditions
Outside of Ireland and Scotland, modern Imbolc traditions are also observed by Wiccans, Druids, and other spiritual communities. The themes of reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the year are central to the modern-day celebration of Imbolc.
To set intention, modern celebrants plant a packet of seeds and say their wishes for the year that they set at Yuletime and then plant them. As the plant grows, it serves as a reminder to nurture your intention with care throughout the year.
Other traditions include leaving butter and beer out for Brigid, listening for lark song, making Brigid Crosses, writing poetry, walking in nature, and performing candle rituals.
For the largest Imbolc-related celebration, head to County Kildare—where St. Brigid founded her nunnery and monastery. Here, a five-day festival called Brigid, Spirit of Kildare Festival celebrates the Christian holiday, with Celtic and Pagan traditions woven in to honor Irish heritage.
