Witchy Things, Redhead Witch

Imbolc 2023

St. Brigid Cross white candles meaning Imbolc 2023

Imbolc 2023 is on Wednesday, February 1 and Thursday, February 2 in the Northern Hemisphere. Learn more about the meaning of Imbolc here, find out about Imbolc rituals and gatherings near you, and have a blessed Imbolc!

Brigid Goddess of Imbolc, dressed in white, holding a candle with a flame

What Is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a Wiccan, pagan, and Druidic holiday (otherwise known as a Wiccan Sabbat) with ancient Celtic roots that celebrates the coming of spring.

Imbolc celebrates Brigid, the Celtic goddess of healing, creative inspiration, and blacksmith work. (We also associate her with technology, including websites!) Domesticated animals such as sheep are also associated with Brigid. In early spring, ewes were pregnant and lactating. Milk is a symbol of purity, and Imbolc is a time of purification and the promise of new beginnings.

Because the worship of Brigid was so entrenched in Ireland, the early Catholic Church invented a saint by the same name to be a patron saint of Ireland, and that’s why some celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day. Imbolc is also known in the Christian church as Candlemas.

The U.S. holiday Groundhog Day has its roots in Imbolc traditions, which included a few different ways of predicting whether spring would arrive soon. (I haven’t found evidence that rodents were ever involved, though!) Whether spring is imminent or weeks away, when you celebrate Imbolc, you can know spring in your heart.

snowflake Imbloc 2023

flame Imbloc 2023

spring buds Imbloc 2023

Imbolc Pronunciation

Most people pronounce Imbolc as “IM-bulk” or “IM-bohlk.” The origin of the word “Imbolc” is disputed, which makes the question of how to pronounce it difficult to answer definitively. It may come from the old Irish word “imbolg,” meaning “in the belly” and referring to ewes who are pregnant and lactating.

Colors of Imbolc

These are the colors I use for an Imbolc altar and Imbolc decorations. However, you should follow your own heart.

White, representing milk and purity. This is the color most steeped in Imbolc traditions and to me, it’s the most important of the Imbolc colors.

Yellow or Gold, representing the candlelight and fires of Imbolc celebrations.

Green, representing spring and Brigid’s cloak. Pale green is especially appropriate.

Red, representing vitality.

colors of imbolc

St. Brigid cross made of straw and tied with ribbons - Imbolc symbol

Imbolc Symbols

The most famous and iconic symbol of Imbolc is the Brigid’s cross, woven from straw. Symbols also include sheep, Brigid dolls (or “corn dollies”) made from corn husks, and candle flames. Snowdrops are the flowers most commonly associated with Imbolc.

white sweater

How to Celebrate Imbolc

I’ve shared links to group Imbolc rituals and festivals near the bottom of this page. Here are some ways that you can also celebrate Imbolc on your own…

Take a purifying milk bath to wash away any thoughts or habits that no longer serve you.

Decorate your home with white flowers…or give a bouquet of white flowers to someone who would appreciate the extra love.

Spring clean your home, or just a room…or organize a closet, desktop, or drawer.

Dress in white.

Burn white candles to symbolize new beginnings in your life.

If you live in a place that’s cool or cold at this time of year, take a walk in nature and look for signs of spring.

milk bath for Imbolc

snowdrops, the flower of Imbolc

Imbolc Food

Milk, butter, cheese, and all foods that feature them as a major ingredient—such as custards, quiches, and creamy soups—are perfect foods for Imbolc. Plant milks and recipes using them are just as appropriate as dairy. Many people bake braided breads at Imbolc in honor of Brigid.

a wheel of cheese

braided bread for Imbolc

jug of milk - Imbolc food

Imbolc 2023 Celebrations and Rituals

Here’s my list of Imbolc gatherings! Please note that I don’t have firsthand knowledge of these events, so any questions should be directed to the organizers. Click on the name of the event to go to the website for more information.