Overview
Imbolc is one of the eight seasonal festivals in the agricultural calendar, marking the first stirrings of spring. The name translates as "in the belly," signifying the quickening of life within the earth. While traditionally celebrated on February 1st (St. Brighid's Day), the astronomical midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox falls at 15 degrees Aquarius—in 2026, this occurs on Monday, February 3rd.
As with all seasonal festivities of the ancient agricultural cycle, Imbolc was celebrated over a season rather than a single day, honoring the gradual transition from winter's depth to spring's emergence.
The Goddess Brighid
Names and Titles
Brighid is known by numerous names across the Celtic lands:
- Brighid
- Brigid
- Brit
- Britaine
- Britannia
- Brigantia
- Brita
- Bree
These Isles of Britain—including Brittany in what is now Northern France—received their very name from this Goddess.
Divine Lineage
Brighid is the daughter of the Dagda, the Chieftain of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Tuatha Dé Danann are also known as the Shining Ones, or in contemporary terms, the Fae. Like all Fae, they possess the ability to cross thresholds between this world and the Otherworld by inhabiting animal forms. For Brighid, this sacred animal is the Swan.
Traditions and Customs
The Eve of Brighid (January 31st)
According to lore, on the eve of Imbolc, Brighid roams the earth, blessing the land and its people. This night marks the opening of the gates to the Otherworld, when not only Brighid but all the Shining Ones emerge from the hills.
Brat Bhríde (Brighid's Mantle)
A traditional custom during this tide involves leaving a shawl or piece of cloth in a prominent place—on a windowsill or draped over a hedge—to receive Brighid's blessing. The cloth is left overnight to be infused by Her light and kissed by Her dew.
This blessed cloth is known as Brat Bhríde (Brighid's Mantle), representing Her cloak of protection, healing, and blessing. It serves as a mantle to enwrap and enfold the bearer throughout the year.
The Blue Cloak
Legend tells that Brighid wore a blue cloak given to Her by a druid when She was a young child. This druid recognized Her divine nature and honored Her with this sacred vestment.
Mythological Context
The Otherworld Gates
The eve of Imbolc is a threshold time when the veils between worlds grow thin. It is not only Brighid who walks these lands on this sacred night, but the Shining Ones who emerge from the hollow hills as the gates to the Otherworld open wide.
Agricultural Significance
As an agricultural festival, Imbolc marks the moment when seeds quicken in the belly of the earth, when ewes come into milk, and when the first signs of spring's return become visible in the lengthening days and the earth's gradual warming.
Astronomical Timing
While February 1st serves as the traditional calendar date for Imbolc and St. Brighid's Day, the astronomical festival occurs at the precise midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox—when the Sun reaches 15 degrees Aquarius. This astronomical precision connects the festival to the actual movements of the celestial sphere rather than arbitrary calendar dates.