Irish Culture is steeped in ancient history and traditions. Many of these pagan traditions, beliefs, practices and festivals are mentioned in the earliest Irish literature and within Irish Mythology.
Our ancient monuments still whispering of our ancient and sacred history, the voices of our ancestors still present in a people that view our Gaelic traditions with reverence.
With unique traditions, that have survived for a millennium and endured the test of time. With ancient monuments and tombs aligned to honour the ancient festivals, solstices and equinox’s such as the ancient and sacred Megalithic monuments at Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, the ancient seat of kings Tara and Loughcrew, Co Meath.
These sites show the importance of ritual and tradition within ancient Gaelic societies and their advanced engineering skills as well as a deep understanding of astronomy. There are 4 major festivals within the Celtic Year, Beltane (May 1st), Samhain (31st of October – 1st November), Imbolc (February 1st) and Lughnasadh (August 1st). All with their own meanings and rituals some of which are still practiced today. Imbolc is one of those ancient festivals that has withstood the ravages of time.
Even with the historic Christianization of this ancient land, the ancient beliefs and traditions of our ancestors have lived on in the hearts of the Irish people, not always in the same form as our ancestors would have celebrated but in a form that is rooted in their ancient belief systems.
What is Imbolc?
The ancient festival of Imbolc is celebrated as the coming of spring. It is traditionally celebrated on 1stof February and is also known as Saint Brigid’s Day in the Christian tradition.
For the ancients it was the transitional period between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of new birth, when lambs are born and new life is celebrated.
It was a time when the ancients began to sow the crops that would sustain them through the next winter. It is a time when the grass began to nourish the animals. It was a sign that the days would get longer and the winter was coming to a thankful end.
It was such a significant festival in the ancient calendar and belief system that ancient monuments such as The Mound of the Hostages located at the sacred seat of the ancient Irish Kings at Tara. The chamber of this ancient burial site is illuminated by the rising sun on Imbolc.
The name Imbolc derives from the ancient Irish “I mbolg” with the meaning “in the belly” signifying the birth of new life in spring.
It is a festival associated with the ancient Goddess Brigid the goddess of fertility and new life. Women were revered in ancient Gaelic society as the bringers of life, carrying on our ancient bloodlines.
It was a time when the snowdrops, the first bloom of spring would start to appear. When the sun was reborn out of the darkness of winter; the ancient black thorn started to bloom and life was renewed into a new bright dawn.
Who was Saint Brigid?
Saint Brigid is an interesting character, as she seems to symbolise the transition of pagan belief systems to the Christianization of this ancient land. It is a matter of debate whether the Christian Saint Brigid and the ancient Pagan goddess are the same person.
It is important to remember that when Christianity came to Ireland the ancient belief systems were strong and deep rooted within Ireland, thus making the total Christianization of Ireland a near impossible task, resulting in many ancient festivals and deities being incorporated within the Christian saints and celebrations.
It is very possible that Saint Brigid’s is one of those ancient figures that transitioned into the world of Christian Saints.
The ancient Goddess Brigid was an esteemed member of the ancient pantheon of Irish Gods and Goddesses, The Tuatha De Danann and daughter of The Dagda(Father figure and king of the Tuatha de Dannan, overseer of life and death, god of magic, wisdom and the druids.
He was also the esteemed god of agriculture, fertility, wisdom and strength. He was also known to have the ability to control the weather). Brigid was the ancient goddess of The Dawn, celebrated as the bringer of the spring and new life.
The goddess of fertility, she is deeply associated with healing and preserving new life, the protector of women and home. As well as being the goddess of poetry and the goddess of smith craft, protecting those who crafted the ancient jewellery and weapons that were so important to our ancient ancestors.
The coming of spring and Brigid were so important to the ancient peoples of Ireland that one of our most important ancient monuments.
The Mound of the Hostages at ancient Tara is alleged with the rising sun of spring, welcoming new life, bringing an end to the brutal harsh winters, welcoming the longer days and new growth that helped with their survival.
The Christian Saint Brigid is also known as Saint Brigid of Kildare and is one of the patron saints of Ireland.
She is associated with the foundation of many Irish monasteries and is often portrayed as a num or an abbess. She is patron saint of birth, smith craft, children, animals, sailors, travellers and more.
It is sometimes thought the attributes of the goddess Brigid were given to the Saint Brigid to cement the coming of Christianity to Ireland.
There are many miracles associated with Saint Brigid such as a touching her blood cured two girls of muteness.
She is deeply associated with the protecting of women from violence and her protection of the poor.
She is the protector of homes and life.
It is sometimes thought that the early medieval Saint Brigid could have been a Druidic Priestess of the Temple of the Goddess Brigid that converted to Christianity, the Saint Brigid we know today was a very holy nun who was born near Dundalk in County Louth who inherited the name and attributes of her ancient counterpart.
Whatever the origins of this revered patron Saint of Ireland her legacy, miracles and deeds are legendry and celebrated with reverence in Ireland.
How to celebrate Imbolc?
There are many traditions celebrated at this time of year which are associated with Saint Brigid.
These Include the leaving of food outside for Saint Brgid to bless as she passes as well as leaving out items of clothing or cloth, Blessed by the morning dew on this special day, these items were meant to retain the power of healing and the point to protect those of the household.
Saint Brigid’s Cross.
The most well known tradition associated with Saint Brigid is the handmade Saint Brigid’s Cross. These small hand woven Crosses, made of rushes from the locality.
It consists of four arms that are tied together at each end and a woven square in the centre of the Cross.
The cross is traditionally thought to keep evil, fire, and hunger away from the house where it is kept, protecting those who live there. The cross is said to predate the coming Christianity to Ireland and has its roots firmly based in pagan roots and traditions.
It is placed in the house above the door on the eve of Imbolc. This beautiful part of Ireland’s ancient culture has been incorporated within the Christian faith as Catholics have used the cross in stained glass windows that adorn their places of worship..
Saint Brigid’s Doll.
These are small dolls that are traditionally made from straw or rushes. They are commonly referred to as Biddy Dolls. They are a small doll that is meant to represent Saint Brigid. They were traditionally carried around the locality by the girls and young women of the community while they said prayers and sang songs to Saint Brigid.
The doll would have been placed by the fireplace within the home inside a small basket or bed. This was a symbol that Saint Brigid was present in the home and gave her protection to those that lived there.
Holy Wells.
It is traditional to visit natural springs known as Holy Wells; those dedicated to Saint Brigid are traditionally the sites of these pilgrimages. To drink or be blessed by the waters of these sacred waters is meant to be a divine act of worship.
These sites are where prayers are said to Saint Brigid to bless the family with fertility and protection from evil. To pray for the miracle of healing of the sick, as well as to bless crops and livestock.
The planting of seeds
The planting of seeds around the festival of Imbolc was to welcome new life and growth after a long winter.
It was a time of fertility and a time that the ancients knew was right to plant the seeds of new crops that would feed their families through the long ancient winters.
These new seeds would be blessed by Brigid and with her blessing would grow and sustain the home.
Lighting of candles
In ancient Ireland fire and light were a significant aspect of Imbolc, fire represented purification. To light a new fire in your hearth represents the return of the warmth of the sun that was to represent the rebirth of the sun.
The lighting of candles throughout the home was to signify that the light of the sun was about to return to the earth and welcome the dawning of longer days and new life.
Spring Cleaning.
Before the eve of the festival of Imbolc it is traditional to clean the hearth and home to welcome new beginnings and the purification of the home to welcome the new gifts of spring and the renewal of life.
It is important that if you have a fireplace that the old ashes should be fully removed to insure a brand new beginning.
Divination
It is said that the feast of Imbolc is the best time of year for those who possess the gift of divination, of finding the lifeblood of the earth water, to go out and find new water within our ancient land.
In Ireland this gift is said to pass through families and the diviner is the bringer of life to the family and the home.
The tools of the diviner were traditionally a rod made of Blackthorn, and these special items were passed down through families to those that proved they had the gift.
Our Grandfather was famed in our local area as a man who had the gift of divination and was often approached within his small community to find water on the land of local farmers.