Imbolc (01/02)

According to one version, the name of the holiday Imbolc comes from the Old Irish word mblec — «milk». February — is the peak of winter, when food and fuel supplies run out, and luck may no longer accompany hunters. At this time, warmth, housing, clothing and food are especially needed. Some peoples had a custom of spending this last night in celebration and fun, and then indulging in fasting and purification for a certain period.

Imbolk is celebrated not only in Ireland. On this day, according to Celtic mythology, Mother Bread rested on the Land of Spirits (Avallone or Annona), gaining strength. Back on Samhain, she gave all her vitality to God to help him be reborn.

Imbolk — is a holiday of the recovery of the goddess Brigid (goddess Brighid), cleansing and revival of the Earth. Imbolk symbolizes the growing phase of the Goddess, while the opposite of her in the Wheel of the Year Lammas — is decreasing. In Lammas Goddess — old woman, in Imbolk — she is a reborn and renewed maiden. This day is a powerful day for any witchcraft. It is at Imbolk that young witches and sorcerers undergo initiation. Symbol Imbolka — connection of opposites.

During paganism, butter was beaten from freshly milked milk on Imbolk, and a piece of bread and butter were left on the butter churn as a sacrifice to the Goddess on the night. Imbolc was also closely associated with sacred fire, which cleanses the earth and maintains fertility, and the awakening of the sun from winter sleep. On this day, rituals of forecasting and wedding fortune telling were performed.

Imbolc was a day of purification. It was customary to wash yourself, pour water on dogs and livestock, clean the house with special care, and leave at least one candle burning at night. In Imbolk you cannot weave, drink beer, handicrafts are prohibited — spinning wheels were put in a closet. You cannot go to someone else's village and join their processions.

Traditional food Imbolka — dairy. Spicy and meat dishes with pepper, onions, and garlic are also served. It is desirable that these dishes (as well as drinks) contain raisins.

A chicken or chicken was also donated to Imbolk, which was buried next to the water: a spring or a river as a sacrifice. On the night of Imbolk, a hole was dug in front of the house, where some milk was poured. In Imbolk they wondered about the future, about the harvest and the grooms.

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