The serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bríde,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground
~Scottish Gaelic proverb
Imbolc is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. It is traditionally celebrated on February 1st, the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). Imbolc means 'in the belly' (in the old Irish Neolithic language), referring to the pregnant ewes. Imbolc is associated with lambing season and is one of four Gaelic festivals originally celebrated in Ireland, which include Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain.
This festival is also known as St. Brigid's Day, named for Ireland's patroness saint. There are a number of traditions associated with St. Brigid’s Day, including hanging woven Brigid’s crosses over doors and windows for protection, making a Brigid doll (a Brídeóg), and ‘strawboy’ and leaving food, drink, and clothing or cloth (called the Brat Bríde or Ribín Bríde) out during the night for St. Brigid to bless.
I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all.
~St. Brigid of Kildare (451-523)
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