02 February 2020

Don't be afraid.

The most hopeful day. Today we are halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox. Today is all about the light. The ancient Celts in Ireland called it Imbolc, and celebrated it as a fertility festival, honouring the goddess Brigid. The catholics swiftly made her into St Brigid, as you'd expect.

Brigid, holy or not, is known as the patron saint for good crops and healthy babies, for bountiful milk supplies (both in cows and nursing women), for children born out of wedlock, children born into abusive families, children born after the father has left. She is the patron saint of blacksmiths, boatmen, brewers,  fugitives, and travellers. She looks after midwives, nuns, poets and the poor. Basically, it's good to have her on your side.

In Germany, this day is candlemas day, which is a much holier and churchy day. But whatever legend the church rulers saw fit, even then it's called festival of lights. So there you have it.

Without much ado or ceremonial intent, went out into the gloomy wet garden and cut a few hazel branches and brought them into the house where they are now in a jug of water on the kitchen table, because that's what you do here.

In Ireland, we would walk down to a river or a well and dip our hands in the water. Don't ask. Of all the strange Celtic traditions, this is the one I buy wholeheartedly.

Anyway, Luke Bloom explains it all here:


15 comments:

Steve Reed said...

Hazel branches? Interesting. I am definitely noticing a lot more light and a move toward warmth, though we could still get some pretty harsh cold snaps before it's all over.

Anonymous said...

Yes Imbolc! I love this day, the true beginning of spring. It is so good to see the return of light. We are already seeing buds and flowers. It is so uplifting in every way.

Anonymous said...

Loved listening to the music. Thank you for this.

Colette said...

When I lived up north I'd cut and bring in forsythia branches in late February or early March to force a bloom. And later in the winter (which went on for-freaking-ever), I'd cut flowering quince. It all helped call spring back, I'm quite sure of it.

Linda said...

I love the idea of having my own saint, and on steroids since I fit a number of those categories. We need a lot of hope right now. I’ll take it where I can get it. Thanks Sabine.

am said...

"Out of the cold, dark winter space
We come together, looking for Brigid's grace ..."

Heartening to hear Luka Bloom's voice and then the many voices joining in. All that light shining.

Although we had frost on our cars early this morning, the sun was out and is warming the day to almost 50 degrees this afternoon. The migrating Canada Geese will be arriving any day now.

It's good to celebrate Imbolc with you and R again, Sabine.

ellen abbott said...

the days are steadily getting longer and so much is ready to burst, even if it is early. I noticed today that the maple tree is blooming.

My life so far said...

"Brigid, holy or not, is known as the patron saint for good crops and healthy babies, for bountiful milk supplies (both in cows and nursing women), for children born out of wedlock, children born into abusive families, children born after the father has left. She is the patron saint of blacksmiths, boatmen, brewers, fugitives, and travellers. She looks after midwives, nuns, poets and the poor."

She sounds like a wonderful saint to have your back. Apparently children who are abused and born out of wedlock is not a new thing, sadly.

Perhaps I'll remember this for next year and mark the day in some way. The light is definitely coming back. Sunset tonight is 5:17 pm.

I hope you're feeling better. Take care.

ellen abbott said...

my sister had some other interesting facts about today I thought you might like to read. http://screamingdownstreet.blogspot.com/2020/02/prognostication.html

Tara said...

Our February 2nd was spring-like, indeed: 70 degrees in Colorado. Everyone was in shirtsleeves only - no sweaters or jackets to be found. Of course, this morning, we have snow. But yesterday, ah, that gave me hope.

Wonderful song, thank you. I celebrate the light that shines in us all!

37paddington said...

You are Irish in your soul.

Joared said...

Interesting to read about 2/2 where you are. In the U.S. 2/2 is Groundhog Day. They pull this poor creature out of his habitat to see whether or not he sees his shadow. If he does, that means more winter, if not -- as it was this year -- winter is supposed to be over. Interestingly, the area is currently experiencing heavy-duty winter weather. Just can't even believe the groundhog apparently!

My life so far said...

Are you ok?

A Cuban In London said...

Very interesting. Thanks a lot. That was a very informative post. :-)

Greetings from London.

Secret Agent Woman said...

I'm going to put that in my calendar so I can celebrate it next year - anything to honor the light returning is good by me.