Pagan Holidays - Imbolc

This anticipation of spring was considered the best time to prepare the home for the year ahead including performing household tasks such as spring cleaning, preparing agricultural tools, and lighting of the hearth fire.

Many modern Pagans incorporate the idea of purification literally and figuratively into their observance of this day. They either do this along with their honoring of Brigid or many have created traditions of their own. It is a good time of year to do ritual for spiritual cleansing and rededicating oneself to a spiritual path.

Of course, clearing the cobwebs out of the corners of your home doesn't hurt either. If this is done in a conscious way, you can actually incorporate spring cleaning into your spiritual cleansing rite as well. Chanting or praying with a duster in your hand may seem silly, but this can be a powerful form of concentrating on a magical task.

The goddess was such a popular figure for the people that it became necessary to incorporate her into the Christian church. Brigid was a celebrated protector of women in childbirth. This trait later came to be an aspect of Saint Brigit.

Eventually this day became Candlemas or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. In Judeo-Christian tradition, it was believed that women were impure for a period of time after giving birth. Legend has it that after the birth of Christ, Mary would not have been pure until February 2nd. Candlemas, or the Festival of Lights, gets its name from the church tradition of purifying the candles that were to be used for the year. This purification aspect is believed to be of Pagan origin since according to some sources the word Imbolc means washing oneself.

What does all this have to do with those pesky groundhogs? Weather divination was practiced at this time of year to insure that the seasons were turning the way that they should since agriculture was a way of life for our ancestors.

Hence, the American tradition of the groundhog predicting how soon spring will come is just one more way that honoring of this ancient goddess has survived.

One of the most popular traditions for Pagans and Christians associated with Imbolc is constructing a Brigid's Cross. It is usually made of natural material such as rushes or straw in the shape of an equal-armed cross. This symbol harkens back to the Celtic solar symbol and hints at Brigid's fiery aspects.

You can use this symbol as a blessing of your home by hanging it above the front entrance or near the hearth, which for many modern Pagans has become the kitchen. Honoring Brigid at any time is welcome to the goddess. However, Imbolc is beloved among Pagans as a time for regeneration and hope for the coming year and a special time to bring the blessings of Brigid, the Exalted One, into your home and life.

Click here for my lens with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own Brigid's cross.

Crescent cakes have become a modern traditional favorite at Imbolc and Candlemas feasts. This buttery almond crescent cookie recipe is a take on that favorite and is adapted from a traditional Viennese Christmas cookie. They have a nutty shortbread taste, are incredibly easy to make and add a special touch to your festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely chopped almonds (or other nuts)


• 2 sticks (1 cup) softened unsalted butter


• 3/4 cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating


• 2 teaspoons vanilla


• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Lightly grease two cookie sheets.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until well blended. Add in the 3/4-cup powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add vanilla and almonds and stir until blended. Add the 2 cups flour gradually while stirring. At this point, you will have to knead it until well blended with your hands.

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make the dough easier to handle.

Shape the dough into crescent shapes (see picture) using 1 tablespoon at a time. To make it easier, roll into a string shape first and then shape into a crescent. Place onto cookie sheets and bake for 12-16 minutes until the edges are slightly browned.

Remove from oven and let cookies stand for a couple minutes until firm enough to remove from the sheet. Remove from the cookie sheet and place onto a rack. Let them cool for 10 minutes. Sift the extra powdered sugar over the cookies for the topping and let cool completely.

If you want to skip the crescent shaping process, just roll them into tablespoon-sized balls and bake the same as above. When the balls have cooled for 10 minutes, roll them in powdered sugar to coat evenly and let cool. You can also skip the nuts in case of possible allergy. They will simply taste like delicious shortbread.

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Photo credit: Candles, Saint Brigid, groundhog: Wikimedia Commons, public domain images June 2009.