Merry Meet

The dear Saint Bridget known and loved by Catholics today (especially in Ireland and in Irish America) has very ancient and extremely pagan origins. Imbolc celebrates the beginning of spring, hope, renewal, regrowth, and fertility.

This is embodied by the pagan goddess Brighid, who is forever tied to this holiday. Today in the contemporary Republic of Ireland, people still celebrate Imbolc or at least lift a glass to the day, and still devote the holiday to Brighid in Christianized form–as a Catholic saint.

Many pagans in general celebrate Imbolc, though it is specifically important to those following a Celtic path and/or calendar. Most people celebrate Imbolc on the date of February 2nd, but some pagans, particularly Celtic Reconstructionists, may opt to celebrate on the 1st instead as it was the original date of Imbolc before Christianity.

Many choose to celebrate renewal and welcome spring by using symbols associated with Brighid, such as fire (she was a blacksmith). Irish fishermen traditionally see Imbolc (or St. Bridget’s Day) as a sign to resume fishing after a harsh winter. Because Brighid is also the goddess of poetry and healing, one may consider honor her by writing or reciting poetry or volunteering time in a hospital.

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