Imbolc – Gaelic Festival Marking the Arrival of Spring (February 1 – 3)
Back in 1968, Phil Ochs wrote these words about the Vietnam War, in what may be his most popular song “The War is Over” ……
Silent soldiers on a silver screen
Framed in fantasies and dragged in dream
Unpaid actors of the mystery
The mad director knows that freedom will not make you free
And what’s this got to do with me
I declare the war is over
It’s over, it’s over (Complete song lyrics here – Video)
People making Brigid’s crosses at St Brigid’s Well near Liscannor
Now we all know that the Vietnam War did not end in 1968 but rather went on tragically for another seven years before ending in 1975. I thought about these lyrics when I read before the latter part of the 20th century when many of its customs died the Gaelic Festival – Imbolc or Imbolg was celebrated on February 1st (or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc marked the beginning of spring! From Wikipedia
:…..Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain[3]—and corresponds to the Welsh Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau. Christians observe it as the feast day of Saint Brigid, especially in Ireland.
…..Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain[3]—and corresponds to the Welsh Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau. Christians observe it as the feast day of Saint Brigid, especially in Ireland.
A Brigid’s cross
Imbolc is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. It is believed that it was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid and that it was Christianized as a festival of Saint Brigid, who herself is thought to be a Christianization of the goddess. At Imbolc, Brigid’s crosses were made and a doll-like figure of Brigid, called a Brídeóg, would be paraded from house-to-house. Read More
When I read about Imbolc the first thing that came into my head was “I declare the winter’s over!”, It’s Over”. But alas I knew that, the reality is probably like the Vietnam War, winter will go on…..that is unless Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow, tomorrow on Groundhog’s Day!! If it’s sunny and Phil comes out and sees his shadow, he’ll return to his burrow and winter will last six more weeks! BUT it’s supposed to snow tomorrow! So maybe spring will arrive soon!!!
