Imbolc  

February 1st 2026 
Fertility of the Earth
Full moon

It is a "cross-quarter day," marking the midway point between the winter solstice (December 21st, the longest night) and the vernal equinox (March 20th, the beginning of spring).

• A celebration of new beginnings, light, purification, and fertility, celebrated with candles in windows, a major spring cleaning, and rituals for the new season, often focused on the Celtic goddess Brigid, using symbols such as fire, water, milk, and seeds to welcome the coming spring and set intentions for the year.

In nature

• February marks the start of lambing season (in the Netherlands), when many lambs are born.

Rituals

• Candles are placed in windows to celebrate the returning light, often from sunset on February 1st to sunrise on February 2nd.
• A thorough cleaning of the house and body, dispelling old energy and making way for the new.

In religion

• It was incorporated into Irish Christianity as Saint Brigid's Day, with the festival culminating in the Roman Catholic Candlemas.