Pagan Portals - Breath of Spring: How to Survive (and Enjoy) the Spring Festival

Candlemas/Imbolc is the re-awakening of the Old Lass within Old Craft belief, coinciding with the Roman Candelaria and Fornicalia. It commemorates the search for Persephone by her mother and the festival of candles symbolizing the return of the Light. Celebrants prepare for a visit from Brigid by crafting an effigy of the goddess from bundles of oats and rushes and burning lamps and lighting bonfires in tribute to her.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2023
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Candlemas/Imbolc marks the revival of the Old Lass within the Old Craft belief system, aligning with the Roman Candelaria and Fornicalia festivals. These celebrations, held in honor of Fornax, the goddess of ovens, were observed by every ward in the city. This fusion of primitive origins and rituals, rooted in European pre-urban agricultural culture, also commemorated the quest for Persephone by her mother and the symbolic celebration of candles representing the return of Light. The tradition persisted until the Christian era, when it transformed into Candalmas in AD 494. In ancient times, Imbolc observance commenced on the eve of February 1st, and participants prepared for Brigid's visit by crafting an effigy of the goddess from bundles of oats and rushes. The adorned effigy was placed in a basket overnight, and the following day was marked by the burning of lamps and the lighting of bonfires in tribute to her. Contemporary Imbolc festivities incorporate elements from both pagan and Christian traditions, with celebrants sometimes creating a Brigids Cross out of reeds and a Brigid corn doll or effigy.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803411880