Today (tomorrow, according to some calendars) is the day of Candlemas, the Festival of Lights, a Midwinter Festival. Imbolc marks the end of the winter season. Known to Neopagans and ancient Celts as Imbolc (Gaelic origin, “in milk” or “in the belly”), a festival of the Maiden Goddess and a traditional time to bless agricultural implements (especially the Plough) and livestock.
Neopagans celebrate the holiday with home blessings and lighting candles to welcome the coming of the light and the Goddess in Spring.
In Ireland, the day is the festival of St. Bridget, a holdover from celebrations of the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Traditional corn dollies and “Bridget’s crosses” are fashioned from straw. You can see some images of Brighid here.
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