What do groundhogs predicting the weather, ewes, a Pagan goddess, a Christian saint and spring cleaning all have in common? They are each intertwined into the history of Imbolc, the feast day of Brigid, on February 2nd. There are as many traditions involved with this day as there are names the goddess is known by; Brigid, Brigit, Brid, Brigantia.

This holiday is one of the Celtic fire festivals and is also called Oimelc, an Irish term that means ewe's milk. Traditionally, this time of year exhibited the first signs of spring shown by the lactation of ewes. This anticipation of spring was considered the best time to prepare the home for the year ahead including performing household tasks such as spring cleaning, preparing agricultural tools, and lighting of the hearth fire. Brigid is most associated with fire as she is a goddess of the fiery arts of healing, creative inspiration, and metal craft.

Many modern Pagans incorporate the idea of purification literally and figuratively into their observance of this day. They either do this along with their honoring of Brigid or many have created traditions of their own. It is a good time of year to do ritual for spiritual cleansing and rededicating oneself to a spiritual path. Of course, clearing the cobwebs out of the corners of your home doesn't hurt either. If this is done in a conscious way, you can actually incorporate spring cleaning into your spiritual cleansing rite as well. Chanting or praying with a duster in your hand may seem silly, but this can be a powerful form of concentrating on a magical task.

The goddess was such a popular figure for the people that it became necessary to incorporate her into the Christian church. Brigid was a celebrated protector of women in childbirth. This trait later came to be an aspect of Saint Brigit. Eventually this day became Candlemas or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. In Judeo-Christian tradition, it was believed that women were impure for a period of time after giving birth. Legend has it that after the birth of Christ, Mary would not have been pure until February 2nd. Candlemas, or the Festival of Lights, gets its name from the church tradition of purifying the candles that were to be used for the year. This purification aspect is believed to be of Pagan origin since according to some sources the word Imbolc means 'washing oneself.'

What does all this have to do with those pesky groundhogs? Weather divination was practiced at this time of year to insure that the seasons were turning the way that they should since agriculture was a way of life for our ancestors. Hence, the American tradition of the groundhog predicting how soon spring will come is just one more way that honoring of this ancient goddess has survived.

One of the most popular traditions for Pagans and Christians associated with Imbolc is constructing a Brigid's Cross. It is made of straw in the shape of an equal-armed cross. This symbol harkens back to the Celtic solar symbol and hints at Brigid's fiery aspects. You can use this symbol as a blessing of your home by hanging it above the front entrance or near the hearth, which for many modern Pagans has become the kitchen. Honoring Brigid at any time is welcome to the goddess. However, Imbolc is beloved among Pagans as a time for regeneration and hope for the coming year and a special time to bring the blessings of Brigid, the Exalted One, into your home and life.