Imbolc is a time of renewal and celebration of the coming abundance of spring. It reminds us of the slow but sure shifting of the season that carries the promise of new life beyond winter. Imbolc has its roots in Gaelic traditions, and although it is less widespread and known today, its powerful symbols and rituals can provide great benefits for well-being in the modern world. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s Imbolc?

👉 Official Name: Imbolc
💚 Cause: Marks and celebrates the beginning of spring and rebirth in Gaelic traditions
📅 Next Date: February 1 – 2, 2026
🐦 Hashtags: #Imbolc, #StBrigidDay, #GodessBrigid, #PaganTradition, #CelticCelebration

Keep reading to find out all the important information about Imbolc at a glance: its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About Imbolc at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: Imbolc or Imbolg is a Celtic pagan religious holiday that has been celebrated since ancient times in Gaelic regions. It honors the imminent beginning of spring and is a Cross Quarter Day, as it occurs at the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The holiday is now observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. On the same day, Christians in Ireland celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day, Ireland’s patroness saint. Imbolc is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. 

2️⃣ Why it is important: Imbolc is a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of life. It connects us with the rhythms of the earth, the changing seasons, and the continuous lengthening of days. It signifies renewal, cleansing, and the hope and promise of spring ushering in the rebirth of nature. Even though the observance is largely obsolete today, it still is a powerful celebration that reaffirms life, surges anticipation for the upcoming spring, and urges us to set clear intentions of personal growth and change for the year ahead. In addition, Imbolc honors the duality of death and rebirth, acknowledging the “darkness” before welcoming the “light” at the beginning of spring. 

3️⃣ How you can celebrate: You can observe Imbolc by having a candlelit party with loved ones, enjoying rituals of spring, and setting intentions for the current year:

1. Decorate and gather: You can hold a restful, intimate gathering with loved ones to celebrate the last moments of winter stillness before spring. Try setting up specific decorations, including St. Brigid’s Crosses, herbs, and fresh flowers to welcome the spring season. 
2. Have a solo ritual: Imbolc can be celebrated in simple yet powerful ways based on the traditions of this holiday. For example, you can take a cleansing bath, clean and purify your home, or do a symbolic candle ritual. In addition, you can take a nature walk, prepare herbal tea, or write poetry.
3. Set new intentions: Imbolc is associated with new beginnings, and you can use this opportunity to plant seeds of intention for the upcoming year. Meditate or journal to look deeper into your goals and think of small steps to make them a reality. 

A Brief History of Imbolc

When was this event established: Imbolc is thought to have been celebrated in Ireland and other Gaelic regions since the Neolithic. This is because some passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise around Imbolc’s date. The event started out as a Gaelic pagan ritual associated with the lambing season, the breeding cycle of sheep, and the beginning of lactation for ewes, symbolizing the imminent spring. That is why the word “imbolc” comes from Old Irish meaning “in the belly” or “milking”. In early Celtic times, it was also a time to celebrate Brigid, the Celtic Goddess of poetry, healing, protection, blacksmithing, and domesticated animals. 

How has it developed since then: When Ireland was Christianized in the 5th century, the pagan rituals of Imbolc became less widespread, and the Celtic pagan goddess Brigid was Christianized into Saint Brigid, although this is a more controversial theory. Many of Imbolc’s traditions died out in the 20th century, but it is still observed by Christians and non-Christians alike. Some of its customs were revived in the late 20th century when Celtic neopagans and Wiccans started observing Imbolc as part of their religious calendar. In addition, since 2023, “Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day” has been a public holiday in Ireland.

3 Interesting Facts About Imbolc

1. The story of Brigid: This Irish Goddess’ name means “the high one” or “the exalted one”. Irish literature describes her as a goddess of poets and “woman of wisdom”, who was also famous for her protective care. It is also said that Brigid had two sisters: Brigid the physician or “woman of healing”, and Brigid the smith. This makes her a “triple deity,” a fact emphasized by modern pagans and Wiccans who venerate her. 
2. The year as a wheel: Imbolc is part of an annual cycle of seasonal festivals observed by pagans from antiquity to modern times. This cycle is called “the Wheel of the Year” and marks the year’s chief solar events – solstices and equinoxes – and the midpoints between them. Imbolc, at the beginning of February, is one of the four midpoints, alongside Beltane (May 1), Lughnasadh (August 1), and Samhain (November 1). 
3. Related observances: In English tradition, there are similar midpoints to Imobolc and the other Irish pagan holidays. These events are also four, called “cross-quarter days”: Candlemas (2 February), May Day, Lammas, and Hallowmas. The last one is the event that inspired modern Halloween. What’s more, Imbolc also aligns with the contemporary Groundhog Day, held annually on February 2. 

Upcoming Dates of Imbolc

Imbolc is observed every year from February 1 through sundown February 2. 

Never Miss an Important Awareness Event Again

Sources

• Mabon House: Imbolc
• The Busy Pagan: Everything you need to know about Imbolc
• Wikipedia: Imbolc
• Newgrange: Imbolc – Cross Quarter Day
• Wikipedia: Brigid of Kildare
• Wikipedia: Beltane
• Wikipedia: Lughnasadh
• Wikipedia: Samhain
• Spirituality and Health: The Spiritual Meaning of Imbolc
• The Seasonal Soul: WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF IMBOLC?
• We’Moon: Imbolc Rituals and Traditions
• Mabon House: 5 Easy Thrift Ideas for Celebrating Imbolc
• YouTube: Making a St. Brigid’s Cross – an Easy Step by Step Guide
• The Seasonal Soul: SIMPLE SOLO RITUALS TO CELEBRATE IMBOLC
• Peloton the Output: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Intentions (and Sticking to Them)
• History.com: Imbolc
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Imbolc
• Citizen Information Ireland: Public Holidays
• Mythopedia: Brigid
• Wikipedia: Brigid
• Wikipedia: Wheel of the Year
• Wikipedia: Quarter Days
• Wikipedia: Candlemas
• Wikipedia: All Saints’ Day