It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. (Chinese Proverb)
The Dead of Winter: a common phrase and yet how many of us who live with central heating, hot tubs, polar fleece, and seat warmers in our cars, can truly identify with the threat of death that lingers just beyond the veil of technology which protects us?
The Dead of Winter, known as Imbolc in the Celtic Tradition, is the coldest, bleakest time of the year. For our ancestors icy winds and blizzards did not usually offer the option of a cozy night by the fire, but rather the threat of frostbite, the dread of nearly empty storerooms, the lack of fresh milk and cheese, the death of the old and the young, as well as the possibility of falling prey to predators who hunted closer to villages due to the scarcity of wild game.
And yet Imbolc is also the turning point which holds the promise of Spring. It is at this time of year pregnant ewes and cows begin to lactate, producing long missed milk. It is at this time the first tiny bulges of new growth can be seen on trees and bushes. It is at this time the days begin to noticeably lengthen.
Imbolc is a Lunar Quarter Day, and so is based on moon phase, not solar position. It is the energetic shift that brings forth the physical manifestation which will be realized on the Equinox in March. Traditionally, Imbolc was celebrated by the Celts on the first full moon which came after one complete moon cycle following the Winter Solstice. Though after being co-opted by the Catholic Church and renamed Candlemas, it is now typically celebrated each year on the set date of February 2.
The deity to whom Imbolc is dedicated is Bride (pronounced Breed), the Celtic Triple Goddess. Bride is patron to writers, poets, artists, smith crafts and healers. She is credited with the first flush of love and inspiration in her guise of Maiden, tender care and nurturing as Mother, and wisdom of craft and healing as Crone, the honored elder. It is Bride in her Maiden aspect we honor on Imbolc.
The ability to predict the arrival of Spring as part of the Imbolc celebration was highly valued by the Celts. The task fell to the combined powers of a maiden and a crone. The village wise woman would venture into the woods near dawn on the day of the full moon and seek signs among the hibernating animals, while a maiden would throw open the doors of her cottage at dawn and take note of any activity that greeted her. The two would combine their observations and a prediction of a long winter or early spring would be made.
The customs of Groundhog Day retain some of this tradition. Thousands of people gather each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to watch Phil the groundhog venture forth and prognosticate the weather. He almost always sees his shadow to the great dismay of most Pennsylvanians.
The theme of love and the first flush of desire are at the heart of Bride’s day. The colors of the season are red and white, representing both the passion and innocence of new love. Though the main focus of Imbolc is love and rapture, it is not necessarily a time for a mere romantic tryst. In Celtic societies it was the time when betrothals were contracted—a time to woo a potential mate with sweet words and delicious treats in order to win their hearts.
We find remnants of Imbolc in another modern celebration, Valentine’s Day. The first stirrings of young love can be seen in the offerings of candy and poetic cards exchanged by the young, and in the more lusty “romantic” escapades of those a bit older.
Fire is closely related to Bride (some derivations of her name mean “fiery arrow”). The fiery passion which renders even the most stoic of people helpless to love’s demands is said to come from being struck by one of Bride’s arrows.
On the night preceding the full moon Celts would gather and light candles to honor the light of life and to encourage the return of the sun. They would sing and dance, recite poems and stories-then, near dawn, they would throw open their doors and invite Bride into their homes, to protect and keep them safe from fire and flood throughout the coming year.
Imbolc is still a time to gather with family and friends. A time to honor the artist within each person and the passion of love that permeates all life. A time to share a glass of wine, eat fresh cheese, and savor sweet desserts. A time to celebrate the promise of Spring and the joy of life ever-renewing.