Imbolc Feast (February 1)

Figure above:

Offerings dedicated to Saint Brigit, near the sanctuary of Faughart, Ireland, the locality regarded as the birthplace of the Saint.
The feast of Imbolc was celebrated on February 1, and was the intermediate point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, so it marked the transition that announced the new season. Its name means literally “in the belly” and referred to the fact that at this time the sheep were pregnant with their spring’s young. Although it contained the announcement of springtime, the festival was held in a period of the year when the weather was still cold and it had thus the meaning of an augural and divinatory time. It was believed that an old woman, the Cailleach, personification of winter, went out at this time to search for wood for her fire. If she could gather a stock of dry wood, that is, if the weather was sunny, she would be able to lengthen the extension of winter for an additional time. If instead the weather was wet and snowy, she would be forced to remain home, and, for lack of fuel, to end winter earlier. This was probably the origin of the traditions, diffused all through Europe, according to which at Candlemas an animal (often the bear) went off its den and, whether the weather was good or bad, predicted if the good season should be early or late.
The feast is celebrated still today, in honour of Saint Brigit of Kildare, who has been substituted for the Celtic goddess Brigit. In the Isle of Manx it was customary in this day to leave a lit candle and the table prepared, in order to welcome Saint Brigit’s or the fairies’ visit. The candles, used all through England at this time, represented the light of the sun, which regained strength after its weakening during the winter season. In Scotland, rush or reed figures, dressed with bits of cloth, representing Brigit, were brought from house to house. Brigit’s visit was regarded as bringing good luck for the year to come. In Ireland, is still used to plait the “Brigit’s cross” (crios bridghe), a rush swastika cross, which is left as offering or hung over the house door, to protect it from fire [figure below]. The Irish farmers were used, at this time, to plough a ceremonial furrow, as a ritual invocation for a good future harvest. The holy well near Kildare is visited still today by a number of faithful, who leave offerings of various kind and strips of cloth, which, after having absorbed the first light of the sun on Imbolc day, are regarded as having healing power throughout the year. In the county Kerry, mummers dressed in white imitating Brigit, and went begging from door to door. This practice has been revived in recent years (Monaghan 2004).


[Source: http://www.megalithicireland.com/St%20Brigid%27s%20Shrine,%20 Faughart.html]


Figure below:

[Source : http://people.tribe.net/c6224db8-c36e-4782-b1ed-4a1562a199ee/photos/d5fd6e01-874e-486b-8d62-d75d02ff3374]