In the pagan calendar, February 2 is Imbolc. This is the Celtic first day of spring, which occurs midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Although we usually celebrate the first day of spring on March 21 or March 22, the Celtic observance seems more appropriate up here in the north. The first buds are appearing on the camellias and the rhododendrons. The days are getting longer. People are smiling more. You might note the coincidence of the date with Groundhog Day (not to be confused with the great Bill Murray movie of the same title). But since we don't observe pagan holidays in the U.S. (except for Halloween, Christmas, and Easter—little joke there!!) we call it Groundhog Day instead of Imbolc. In Ireland this is also known as Saint Brigid's Day. Though this is officially observed on February 1, the connection with Imbolc seems a bit more than coincidental. Saint Brigid is one of my faves! She improvised making a cross from rushes, and there are various legends surrounding this event. There is also an excellent legend about Brigid asking the local bishop for a bit of land on which to build a convent. The bishop said sure, just lay out your cloak and you can have the land that it covers. Amazingly enough, Brigid's cloak spread and spread and spread over miles and miles. Moral of the story: don't ever mess with the Sisters! A final note of history, or legend, on the origin of the word "lent." The 40 days of repentance and fasting that Christians observe starting on Shrove Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras, Feb. 9 this year) precede Easter. But the word "lent" doesn't have any particular religious meaning. It comes from "length" or "lengthen" — as in, the days are getting longer. That's why I'm celebrating the coming of spring now. It was light until 5:45 p.m. yesterday. Winter is on the run!! 9/14/2022 04:52:48 pm
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Author Rebecca Moore is Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at San Diego State University. She is currently Reviews Editor for Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions and Co-Director of The Jonestown Institute. Archives
December 2021
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