Imbolc

On By Mick CanningIn Imbolc, Spring

Yesterday was Imbolc, February 1st. Imbolc is a pagan festival marking the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Honouring the goddess Brigid, goddess of fertility, it celebrates the beginning of Spring.

And so I went looking for signs of Spring. It was a real Spring-like day. Blue skies. Sunshine that felt almost warm. Birds singing. Stuff growing. There was a Red Admiral, but I didn’t get a picture. I did get a few pictures of other stuff, though.

Four years ago it was also a lovely day – we were walking on the South Downs – perhaps Imbolc is often nice. I’d look it up if I could, but it seems very difficult to find detailed weather records on the internet; I’ve been looking as I’d like to check a few things. Anyone know of any sites?

Sunny and Spring-like.

Primroses are out.

There were some wild daffodils coming up in the woods. Not in flower yet, but it shouldn’t be long.

The cultivated varieties are already in flower.

As are the Camelias.

And the snowdrops are still around, although past their best.

At ten past four, the sun was still out. This might not sound a big deal, but after the real Winter months it feels like a definite progression. Later, because of the clear sky, predictably it quickly became much colder.

We’re not quite there yet.

54 thoughts on “Imbolc”

  3. Happy Imbolc/Dachstag-Groundhog Day/Candlemas to you, Mick.
    I’m enjoying these photos. Always exciting to see the new growth, you’re always way ahead of us, we’re still hovering around the freezing mark. But the forecast, like my style of housekeeping, is “partial clearing” and soaring into the 40’s F. so hurrah, come on Spring!

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  7. Nice photos, Mick. I wrote about Imbolc and Groundhog Day a year ago (https://wanderingsart.ca/2023/02/08/groundhog-or-celtic-goddess/ It was also a year ago that Canada’s famous groundhog, Fred, died. A sad day for all. Although I am in Mexico right now, I hear from family back home in Saskatchewan that spring seems to have sprung a bit early, with above-zero temperatures giving a much-needed respite after a couple weeks of minus 30s and 40s. No flowers are blooming there!

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    1. We don’t have Groundhog Day over here in UK, of course, but I believe a badger was also involved (thanks to Robert, above, who pointed me in that direction). I think we can all get on board for Badger Day.

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  9. Mick, lovely to see signs of spring. It gives me hope that we’ll see similar sightings soon. Interesting to learn about Imbolc. As long time watchers of Midsomer Murders, I have been under the impression that there must be pagan festivals in England nearly every week.

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  11. Not a single sign of spring yet here, though the sun did peek out yesterday for about an hour … first time in over two weeks. But then, you guys know all about that lack of sunshine! Hopefully a month from now we’ll see some buds on trees and crocuses popping up in the yard.

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  12. I never had heard of Imbolc until I read this post, although both Candlemas and Groundhog Day were familiar. Then, not 24 hours later, I came across this article, which details the history and relationships of the “days” that actually are one day: all of which are meant to celebrate spring and foretell its full coming. It’s all quite fascinating.

    As for spring, its signs are here. Early spring comes so early for us that it’s an especially interesting season: lingering winter leaves and such make a nice complement to the new greens that are beginning to emerge. We still may have some cold, even near freezing, weather, but once late February arrives, it’s full spring, and time to celebrate the flowers. The ones you’ve shown here are beautiful, but not common here. Farther north in the state they do better; we stay too warm for them.

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    1. I hadn’t realised that the groundhog was the same beast as the woodchuck, so I’ve just learned something new, too!

      You’ll have to remind me which state you’re in. I had an idea you were in one of the more southern ones.

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        2. Hi Stuart. Yes, that’s exactly what I was looking for. And it does seem to bear out my impression that 1st February has generally had good weather, at least recently, if only for the area where I live!

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  15. As we’ve been much like the groundhog and have stayed in our burrow, we haven’t noted much for signs of spring. Some, here and there. Old joke: “How do you know when spring has arrived? The rain gets a little warmer.”

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  16. Mick, I enjoyed learning about Imbolc ( a word new to me!) and this is a lovely post! Those sunny winter days are precious and I too am happy when it is now light until after five. Hooray! Yesterday I spotted the first camellia flowers on a neighbour’s bush and a definite sign of Spring.

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  18. A Red Admiral in February! Very nice. Over here the daffodils are just a few inches tall but I’m sure someone has an earlier variety blooming in their yard somewhere. Camellias, yes, and I was thrilled to find the first tiny native wildflowers blooming recently, just barely above the ground. I always forget about Imbolc, thanks for the reminder.
    Looks like you have a link or two for historic weather. I’ve had the same issue sometimes. We can’t be the only ones curious about comparing local weather in different years.
    Have a great weekend, Mick!

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    1. Thanks, Lynn. I fear for the red admiral. We’ve had more cold and wet weather since then, and more forecast. Although as long as it’s not too cold, it might be okay. At least the flowers are now on the move.
      Have a great weekend yourself!

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