Depending on who you ask, Imbolc/Imbolg is literally translated as "in the belly" or "ewe's milk", and leads to the tradition of celebrating all things dairy. According to some traditions, this was the time when our ancestors took stock of their inventory to ensure that there were enough provisions to last until spring.
Some Pagans use this as the first sign of spring, although this particular Witch waits until the Spring Equinox for spring cleaning. Some will ritually plant seeds for a good harvest. Fire is prevalent in this festival. Brighid is a fire goddess, who protects the hearth and is also associated with smith-work.
Protection amulets are popular at this time of year, and many choose to make a Brighid's Cross to protect hearth and home. Here is a great how-to video for those who are interested in trying their hands at this. Note: This video is honoring "St. Brigid". When the Roman Catholic Church invaded Ireland and attempted to force the people to give up their beloved Goddess, Brighid, the Church found that they were unwilling to part with her- so much so, that the Church was forced to turn her into a saint.The little girl is adorable, which makes up for spelling errors ;)
Traditional dishes include:
Seeds of all kinds
Anything dairy
Cakes, cookies, breads
Berries and lemons
Potato soup
Mulligatawney Stew
Here is the traditional recipe for Mulligatawney Stew
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 large Onion, chopped
2 Stalks celery, sliced thinly
3 Carrots, diced
1 1/2 Tablespoons Curry powder
2 Tablespoons All-purpose flour
5 cups Chicken stock
2 Tablespoons Long grain white rice
2 Tomatoes; peeled & chopped
8 ounces Chicken; cooked & diced
1 small Apple; cooked, peeled, cored & diced
Salt to taste
Fresh celery leaves
Heat butter and oil in a saucepan. Add onion, celery and
carrots; cook gently 5 minutes. Stir in Curry Powder and flour and cook 1
minute. Stir in stock and bring to a boil; add rice and stir well. Cover and
simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, chicken, apple and
salt. Cover again and simmer 15 minutes. Garnish with celery leaves and carrot
strip, if desired, and serve hot
Here is the version for those with immunity disorders:
Mulligatawny Soup Paleo Style
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
1 large Onion, chopped
2 Stalks celery, sliced thinly
3 Carrots, diced
1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder
2 Tablespoons coconut flour
5 cups Chicken stock (or bone broth)
2 Tablespoons Long grain white rice (for those who have issues with using rice, see this article)
1 sweet potato; peeled & chopped
8 ounces Chicken; cooked & diced
1 medium Apple; cooked, peeled, cored & diced
Sea, Celtic, or Himalayan Salt to taste
Fresh celery leaves (cilantro can be used as a substitute)
Heat butter and oil in a saucepan. Add onion, celery, sweet potato and
carrots; cook gently 5 minutes. Stir in garlic Powder and flour and cook 1
minute. Stir in stock and bring to a boil; add rice and stir well. Cover and
simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken, apple and
salt. Cover again and simmer 15 minutes. Garnish with celery leaves and carrot
strips, if desired, and serve hot
Ritual items:
White or red candles
Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay, Blackberry, Celandine, Chamomile, Coltsfoot, Rosemary
Incense & Oils: Jasmine, Myrrh, Neroli Flowers, Broom, Daffodils, Heather, Iris, Primrose, Snowdrop, Tansy Trees Evergreens, Willow
Gemstones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise
You can make your ritual as elaborate or as simple as you choose. May your hearth and home be blessed by Brighid's protection, and may your harvest be fruitful this year.
Sláinte!
