Pronunciation: [ɪmbˈɒlk] (IPA) 
Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated on February 1st. The word is derived from the Old Irish i mbolc meaning "in the belly," referring to the pregnant ewes who give birth in early February. The IPA phonetic transcription for Imbolc is /ɪmˈbɒlk/ with stress on the second syllable. The "mb" combination represents a lenited "b" sound, pronounced like "w" in some dialects. The final "c" is pronounced like "k".
Imbolc is a term primarily used in Celtic and pagan traditions to describe a festival or holiday that marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the return of light and life after the dark winter months. It is often associated with the earliest signs of spring, such as the lengthening of daylight and the first stirrings of growth in the natural world.
Etymologically, the term "Imbolc" is derived from the Old Irish word "oimelc," which means "ewe's milk." This refers to the time when pregnant ewes begin to lactate, symbolizing the coming fertility and abundance of the new season.
Imbolc is traditionally celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of purification and renewal, where people gather to honor the Celtic goddess Brigid or St. Brigid, depending on the specific religious or cultural practices.
During Imbolc, various rituals and customs are observed, such as lighting bonfires, performing divination, weaving Brigid's crosses, blessing seeds and tools, and praying for protection and abundance in the year ahead. It is also a time for cleaning and organizing one's home and making preparations for the forthcoming agricultural season.
In contemporary pagan and Wiccan traditions, Imbolc is often celebrated as a festival of creativity, inspiration, and healing, highlighting the themes of new beginnings and the awakening of nature. It is seen as a time to set intentions, embrace personal transformation, and reconnect with the cycles of the Earth.
The word "Imbolc" derives from the Old Irish "Imbolg" or "i mbolg", which roughly translates to "in the belly". It is derived from the Proto-Celtic word "em-bolgios", meaning "in the belly" or "in the womb". This name refers to the transitions that occur during early spring, particularly the pregnancy of ewes and the beginning of lactation. Imbolc is an ancient Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of spring and is associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid, who symbolizes fertility, growth, and rebirth.
