Imbolc

Imbolc is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats of Neopaganism. It is celebrated on February 2 (or the previous evening) in the northern hemisphere and on August 2 in the southern hemisphere. The name means "in the belly," referring to the pregnancy of ewes, and is also a Celtic term for spring. Another name is Oimelc, meaning "ewe's milk"; also Brigid, referring to the Celtic goddess of smithcraft, to Whom the day is sacred.

The holiday is a festival of light, reflecting the lengthening of the day and the hope of spring. It is traditional to light all the lamps of the house for a few minutes on Imbolc, and rituals often involve a great deal of candles.

Another term for the holiday, and the name under which an attempt was made to Christianise its pre-modern equivalent, is Candlemas. In North America, Candlemas became known as Groundhog Day.

Imbolc is a cross-quarter day. Among the sabbats, it is preceded by Yule and followed by Ostara.

See also Wheel of the Year.