Imbolc

**triedit** · 02-02-2010, 09:08 AM

Today (or near today) is the pagan holiday of Imbolc. This is the pagan celebration of being 'in the belly of the mother'--or specifically, a time when the first stirrings of spring begin deep in the earth.

In Ireland, this means celebrating the Goddess Brigit, whom the Catholic Church later made a Saint. Additionally, since women who gave birth were considered "impure" for 6 weeks after giving birth, this celebration is also for Mary--traditionally Mary gave birth to Jesus on the winter solstice and this would mark the end of her 6 weeks of impurity.

Just to further confuse things, "Groundhog Day" was at one point celebrated on Feb 14, now considered St Valentines Day. In older european traditions, this also follows Mary becoming again pure as Christmas was celebrated on Jan 7.

Valentines Day is sometimes thought to have Pagan origins as well--old French pronunciations of g sounded like v and the holiday was to celebrate being "gallant" (valent) or "gallantine" (valentine). Same rules apply--hearts and flowers all around.

Today is celebrated among Pagans by making candles, welcoming light, and by cleaning house and purifying soul.