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Significance of the Wicca Sabbat – Imbolc
Imbolc is one of the most important festivals of the Wicca and Pagan religions. The word Imbolc comes from Irish-Gaelic i mbolg (In the belly).
Imbolc – First Planting of Spring
Date: February 2nd
Important Elements: The Solar God Child growing in strength as a young child, first birth after winter
Related Holiday(s): Brigit’s Day, Bride Day, Candlemas
Colors: Pastels
Symbols: Evergreens, The Candle Wheel, Grain Dolls, Ritual Fires
Related Deities: Brighid, Aine
What Is the Wicca Sabbat Imbolc?
It represents the first true signs of Spring, after the long winter. This was the time when the ewe’s milk first started to come in, in preparation for the new year’s birth.
The history of Imbolc goes back quite far, based on evidence from existing megalithic sites that have specifically marked the day of the year. Reference the Hill of Tara and the Mound of the Hostages, where the sun rises on the dates of Samhain and Imbolc, shedding light into the inner chambers. (An introduction to Wicca).
After the long dark of winter, the sun returns enough that one can open up the home, and long-stagnant air is purified. Livestock were often run between two bonfires to purify them, and special foods were a symbol; of celebration. With the return of milk, and butter, treats made with both were now available again after a long winter without.
Aine is a goddess that symbolizes wells. Often during this holiday, special wells are blessed. Gifts were left, and the water from the well was used to bless things and purify them for the coming year. (3 Goddesses of prosperity).
Altar and Home:
Symbols of spring are very important at this time of year. Any blooming flower is hung about the house. Candles represent the strength and warmth of the growing sun god. The altar itself would be decorated with bright and cheery colors. This welcomes the warm light of spring into the house. (What Is Candle Magic?).
To help bring the blessing of the Goddess Brigid into the home, one prepares a bed for her. This encouraged her to visit and bless the house for the year to come. In Mann, it was proper to gather rushes and invite Brighid into the home while standing at the door.
And chant “Brigid, Brigid, Be welcome in my house tonight. We open the door to let you come in!”. After this, the rushes would be cast upon the floor as a carpet or bed for Brighid.
This was also the traditional time of year for the construction of a symbol or “Brigid’s Cross”. Young girls would make them and carry them in a parade. They would sing praises to Brigid. Then hang the cross in the home over the hearth, until the next Imbolc. Then, one would take them down burn them, and replace them with fresh crosses.
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