1st February. This is a time of the first stirrings of Mother Earth; spring-cleaning, a time of cleansing & purification, preparation for growth and renewal. A festival of the Triple Goddess, whose breath gave life to the dead.
Imbolc is the festival of the quickening earth. It is also a Fire Festival and is sometimes called Brigid, for the Celtic Goddess of Fire. The lengthening of the days are now apparent as the Sun Lord grows stronger and matures. The very first signs of life appear with early bulbs sprouting, animals begin to stir, and the Goddess has now completed her resting period. She is renewed and is recognized as the Maiden.
Imbolc means, In the Belly, referring to the quickening of the womb of the earth, the Goddess is in her Maiden aspect, youthful, and is called the Corn Maiden by some. As most of the attributes of celebrations show seasonal and cultural attributes of European culture and earthly tides, the term corn is one of them. Corn was an old term used for any hard grain or kernel, as the American grain, corn, was not introduced into Europe until later in history. At Imbolc the Goddess may be recognized with a doll dressed as a bride, placed in a 'Bride’s bed' or on an Alter. This is in preparation of the forth coming marriage with her consort, the Sun God. It is also a form of sympathetic magic showing the earth is getting ready for seed.
The doll or Corn Doll may be made from today's corn husks, shafts of grains, grasses or straw. While the bed might be a basket garnish with white fabric, lace, ribbons and placed with flowers. In homes candles are lit and placed around the Bride’s bed. Fires are lit to rejoice the ending of winter and the renewing of the earth. Bonfires may also be lit in rituals to celebrate the banishing of the cold, hard, winter months and to honor the Goddess of fire, hearth and home
