Join us February 1st at 6pm to honor our ancestral heritage, to foster community and celebrate the coming of Spring. Imbolc is an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of Winter, the return of warmth and sunlight, and the coming of new life. The word "imbolc" means "in the belly of the Mother," because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the renewed agricultural season. The term "oimelc" means ewe's milk. Around this time of year, many herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year, or are heavily pregnant. As a result, they are producing milk. This creation of life’s milk is a part of the symbolic hope for spring.
This holiday also celebrates Brigid, the Celtic fire and fertility deity. Over the years, Brigid was adopted by Christianity as St. Brigid. Brigid (or Bridget) is the patron saint of Irish nuns, newborns, midwives, dairy maids and cattle. The stories of St. Brigid and the deity Brigid are very similar. Both are associated with milk, fire, and the hearth. We have so many special and cozy activities planned for this gathering!
Be sure to secure your ticket for this one early, as we have limited space due to the nature of the event.
We will be serving a buttery Irish Nettle Tea Cake (included in your ticket), and have plenty to drink! Come and learn to weave Saint Brigid’s Crosses together, a folk charm that offers protection to one’s dwelling from fire, evils, and hunger that we all may take home at the end of the evening to hang in a threshold of our homes. We shall be presenting on and offering hands on activities surrounding springtime herbs of the Pacific Northwest and Ireland, Gaelic language, healing prayers and charms, butter making, and the origins of Imbolc and syncretistic nature of Brigid as both a pagan deity and catholic saint.
Come with a story or song to share!
At the end of the night we will learn and sing a song together, and have some time to share songs as well if it's in your heart to do so. Traditionally, Imbolc is a time to gather around the firelight and share stories.
We love to celebrate our Irish heritage, and welcome you to share about your unique heritage and seasonal observances!
We will also have an altar to Brigid set up. You are most welcome to contribute or bring items you would like to be blessed. Offerings of milk, bread, coins, seeds, horns, or items imbued with the intentions of things you would like to grow into the coming season, etc.
Sliding Scale Ticket Includes:
+ 1 Handwoven rush charm
+ 1 Irish nettle tea cake or GF nettle Cake
+ participation in all activities
Loose Lineup & Schedule for the night:
6:00 Doors open, settle in
6:30 Event Begins, opening words
6:45 Knock at door, lighting of the altar
7:00 Herbs of Imbolc: Herbal presentation
7:30 Butter making
8:00 Weave crosses + charms & prayers presentation
8:30 Brian teaches song “Gabhaim molta Bride”
9:30-10 Burn Brideog doll in closing ceremony + song share