How Many Days Until Imbolc?
Imbolc 2026 occurs around Sunday, February 1, 2026.
About Imbolc
Imbolc (pronounced IM-bulk or IM-molg) is a traditional Gaelic festival marking the midpoint between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). Typically celebrated around February 1st or 2nd, it signals the first stirrings of spring, the lengthening of days, and the promise of renewal. Imbolc is strongly associated with purification, light, fertility, and the Celtic goddess Brigid (later St. Brigid).
Origins and History
Imbolc is one of the four ancient Celtic cross-quarter days.
Ancient Celtic Roots
Imbolc likely originated as a pastoral festival tied to the beginning of the lambing season and the lactation of ewes ("Imbolc" may mean "in the belly" or relate to "Oimelc," ewe's milk). It marked a time of hope after winter's hardships.
Goddess Brigid
The festival is deeply connected to the goddess Brigid (Brighid, Brigit), associated with poetry, healing, smithcraft, fertility, and sacred flames. She represents the awakening earth and the sun's growing power.
St. Brigid's Day / Candlemas
With Christianization, the festival became associated with St. Brigid of Kildare, whose feast day is February 1st. Many goddess attributes transferred to the saint. February 2nd is also Candlemas (Feast of the Presentation), involving candle blessings, linking to Imbolc's theme of light.
Modern Neopagan Observance
Contemporary Pagans celebrate Imbolc as a time for purification, dedicating oneself to learning, celebrating the returning light, and preparing for spring's growth.
Key Themes of Imbolc
Imbolc centers on the transition from winter to spring and the reawakening of life:
- Return of Light: Celebrating the noticeable lengthening of days and the sun's growing strength after the deep winter. Candles and fire are key symbols.
- Purification and Cleansing: A time for spring cleaning (physically and spiritually), clearing out the old to make way for the new. Water and fire are used symbolically.
- First Stirrings of Spring: Recognizing the earliest signs of new growth, budding trees, and the potential for life returning to the land.
- Fertility and New Life: Associated with the start of the agricultural cycle, lambing season, and the promise of future abundance. Milk is a potent symbol.
- Inspiration and Creativity (Brigid): Honoring Brigid's domains of poetry, smithcraft, and healing; a time for new projects and learning.
- Hope and Renewal: Embracing the hope that comes with the end of winter and the anticipation of spring's arrival.
How Imbolc is Celebrated
Modern Imbolc celebrations often focus on light, purification, and welcoming spring:
Lighting Candles
Lighting candles throughout the home or holding candlelit processions symbolizes the returning light and honors Brigid.
Spring Cleaning
Physically cleaning the home mirrors spiritual purification, clearing out stagnant energy from winter.
Making Brigid's Crosses
Weaving crosses from rushes or straw is a traditional craft, believed to offer protection to the home.
Feasting
Enjoying foods associated with the season, such as dairy products (milk, butter, cheese), seeds, and early spring greens.
Purification Rituals
Using water (baths, asperging) or fire/smoke (smudging) for personal and household cleansing.
Planning and Planting
Planning the year's garden, blessing seeds, or starting early seeds indoors anticipates the coming growing season.