Imbolc: History, Meaning & Gentle Ways to Welcome Early Spring
Even though Imbolc has passed on the calendar, its spirit lingers quietly in the late-winter air. This old festival was never just about a single day — it marked a turning point in the season. A subtle shift. The first hint that winter will not last forever. If you missed it this year, you’re not late. You’re simply arriving when you can, which is exactly how old seasonal living was meant to be. Let’s step into the story and bring a bit of Imbolc into the present moment. The History of Imbolc Imbolc is one of the ancient Celtic seasonal festivals, traditionally observed around February 1st, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Its roots lie in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Britain, where the land itself shaped the rhythm of life. The name Imbolc is often linked to the Old Irish phrase meaning “in the belly,” referring to pregnant ewes and the promise of new life stirring beneath the surface. This was a pastoral society’s early sign of spring — milk returning, ...