Imbolc – Let’s Celebrate the Arrival of Spring!!
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) 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…
