Imbolg

It is not long until St Valentine's Day but was it always about expensive cards, forced flowers flown in from abroad and overpriced meals in crowded restaurants?

Well no, not really. The history of St Valentine's Day is confusing as there were three saints called Valentine, and it is not clear exactly which story was the definitive one.

But going further back in time, St Valentine's Day is another example of the Christian church using Pagan festivals as a basis for their celebrations.

For Pagans, 2nd February is Imbolg, or Brides Day.

Imbolg is one of the Eight Pagan Sabbats, also known as the Festival of Light or Brigit's Day. Imbolg is when the seeds (both literal and metaphorical) sown at Samhain (Hallowe'en) start to sprout. The very first signs of spring are showing, even though the nights are still long.

Pagans believe in the Goddess and at Imbolg she is a young maiden and the Horned God is courting her. Thus it is a romantic time. It is innocent and fresh with all the excitement of young love. There is the promise of good things to come in the air!

In real terms, it is a time to sweep out the old, to cleanse spiritually and start putting plans thought about at Samhain (the Pagan New Year) into action. As spring shows signs of new life and a promise of a warm fruitful summer, so at Imbolg we can start to begin our plans. One example of this is ‘Spring Cleaning' - we are physically sweeping away what we don't need and clearing the way for what we do.

It is the time to end relationships as well as start them...so maybe it is not so romantic after all!

Jo

photos (c) Sabrina Willekens 2009