Imbolc has many names including Candlemas, Lupercus, Lupercalia, Candelaria, and Disting. This Sabbat celebrates the growing God and the wakening of the Goddess after her rest. Evidence of the Gods growing strength are the longer days, warmer weather, and the budding of certain trees.
Imbolc is also a banishment of the winter, a purification time, and a festival of fire. Our current practice of spring cleaning most likely came from this Sabbat, as the ancients desired a cleansing of winters enclosement and a welcoming to the spring. Fire is often used in this Sabbat due to its associations with fertility, representing illumination and inspiration. The Earth is slowly waking from its winter slumber, and is preparing to become fertile once again.
Modern Pagans often use lavender or white
candles at this Sabbat, along with vanilla, rosemary, bay or benzoin incense.
Covens often initiate at this time, and self dedications are popular during
this time of growth as well. Traditional foods include dairy products,
garlic, olives, raisins, bread puddings, and creamy soups.
Created by TracyG~1998, 1999