The Celtic festivals of The Wheel of the Year
Imbolc or Oimelc (February 2nd)

Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.

Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.

Imbolc (pronounced ‘im’olk’) is also known as Oimelc, Imbolg, or Candlemass. It falls on the same day as Ireland’s feast of St Bridget (a Christian disguise for the goddess Brighid), and Groundhog day in America.

Imbolc is seen as a celebration of the first day of spring, and is traditionally celebrated in the first week of February, as its halfway through the 90 day seasonal period following the winter solstice (21st December). Imbolc and Oimelc are said to come from the old Gaelic word meaning ‘Ewes milk’, and is the time when ewes start lactating in preparation for giving birth to lambs, meaning there will soon be milk available for people to drink. Imbolc is also reported to mean ‘in the belly of the mother’ and represents potential for growth however it may be needed in your life.

Imbolc was important in the Celtic calendar, as winter stores of food were getting low, and the festival marked the beginning of a new farming season. Even though there may still be snow and frost on the ground, Imbolc marks the rebirth of nature and fertility, and a recognition of life beginning to stir and awaken within the earth. It is a celebration of the long winter darkness beginning to break, and the return to lighter and longerdays as the sun, and the young god it represents is getting stronger. A virgin goddess is said to govern this celebration, and her breasts fill with milk to nourish her young.

Rituals were performed at Imbolc to harness the divine energy, which they hoped would ensure a steady supply of food in the next six months. In the past candle lighting, was part of the ritual of this sabbat, hence being renamed ‘candlemass’ or mass of candles. In a group pagan ritual a young woman would wear a crown of lighted candles on her head. Feasting was also very much an element of the Celtic festivals and at a time when new lambs were born, a dish made from their docked tails was traditionally eaten. The ritual also includes the blessing and eating of diary foods to celebrate the life of the young god and his virgin mother. This practice was said to have been made popular by Scandinavians, sometime after the tenth century when the Vikings invaded Ireland, and adopted the ritual after they populated much of the island, and married many of the women.

Imbolc also falls on the same day as Ireland’s feast of St Bridget. Bridgid is the Celtic goddess of fire, inspiration and fertility, and daughter of Dagda. As Bridgid was the goddess of fire, Imbolc celebrations centre around the lighting of fires. Many of the poor in communities really looked forward to these festivals, as they were a chance for them to get together with friends and family and take a break from work. People had been celebrating these old ways for centuries. Christians, who were trying to gain more followers, found they could not compete with the allure of these traditions. Therefore the Christian church in a bid to win people over, decided it was easier to assimulate Bridgid into their own faith, and so St Bridgid was created. They also created many stories about her in the hope that people would leave these old beliefs, and start following Christianity. One of the rituals they created was dressing a sheaf of oats in female clothes, and setting it in a basket called Brids bed.

Snakes were also a symbol commonly associated with Imbolc. They represent rebirth, as they shed their skin and re-emerge in the spring after a winter’s hibernation. Celtic healers often appear with snakes, that are associated with rivers and healing springs as these are thought to be the entrances to the underworld, where the giant ‘Ouroborous’, the earth dragon lives. Snakes and serpents often appear on ‘torcs’, the sacred neck ornaments worn by Celtic kings, as they embody eternal life and the power of the earth. In Celtic knot work, snakes patterns are still very popular. The coiled serpent, with its tail in its mouth represents a circle of eternity and the cycles of the earth’s evolution and reincarnation. It is reported that in Ireland, at a time when the Christian church was trying to gain followers, the Druids who vehemently opposed the church, often had tamed snakes as they used their venom for healing mixtures. However led by the warrior St Patrick, the church finally won the battle for followers over the Druids.

We may now dismiss many of these old beliefs, traditions, and celebrations, as mere superstitions. However, how we can say our beliefs today are any more credulous, especially when many of our celebrations today surround Christianity, which has actually adopted and claimed much of the folklore of old as their own.

Imbolc represents the end of winter (actual and emotional), and is seen as good time for growth. It can be a good time for putting new ideas into practice, taking the first steps of a new project. With so much dis-ease and ill health caused by trying to keep up with demands of the fast pace of life today, maybe returning to some of the beliefs of old, and becoming more in tune with the timing of nature is not such a bad idea.

Ginger, First aid on a Plate.

Whether it’s making your first gingerbread men as a child, or having a slice of Granny’s ginger cake with tea, the aroma of ginger often conjures up pleasant memories. Native to Southern Asia, ginger has been embraced across the world, flavouring savoury dishes in the East, and used traditionally in sweet recipes in Western countries. In many 19th century English pubs, a jar of ginger was kept on the counter so people could add it to their drinks, and so ginger ale was born. But as well as providing a distinctive flavour to cooking, ginger has been used for centuries in the East, for its medicinal qualities.

Ginger is known for its warming effect on the body. Maria Holzamer a medical herbalist says;
“Ginger is an excellent circulatory stimulant, reaching all extremities.”

It can either be drunk as a tea, or grated ginger root can be added to hot lemon and honey, to raise the body’s temperature, and help the body fight off colds and viruses. Ginger also has expectorant and anti-bacterial qualities, making it a useful remedy to try when suffering from respiratory infections.

As well as being warming, ginger has a stimulating effect. In India and China, tea made with ginger root has been drunk after meals for centuries, to aid digestion. Gingerol, the main active ingredient of ginger, enhances the secretion of digestive juices, which helps to neutralize stomach acids, and has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles of the digestive system. People looking for a natural remedy with potential to relieve symptoms of bloating, indigestion, nausea and travel sickness, may find that ginger is just what they’re looking for.

Ginger can also be good for your heart, as it stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow. It is claimed that ginger can make blood platelets less sticky and less likely to join together in clots. Ginger also appears to impair cholesterol absorption, lowering blood cholesterol levels. Together these properties can help maintain a healthy heart. In Ayurveda medicine (literally translated as the science of life), ginger is known as the ‘Universal medicine.’

Other benefits of ginger include pain relief. Ginger’s antispasmodic effect can relieve menstrual cramps, and its stimulating action can help promote menstruation. Gingerol also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for people suffering with arthritis. As Ginger is very warming, it is especially appropriate for cold non-lubricated joints. Consuming ginger regularly may help reduce pain levels and improve mobility.

Luckily ginger is not difficult to get hold of; it’s available in fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallised, powdered or ground form. For maximum medicinal effect ginger can be brought as a supplement, which could be particularly useful if you don’t like the taste. However it is fairly easy to get the benefits just by including it within your diet regularly. Fresh is ultimately the best option, and ginger root is available in vegetable shops and supermarkets. To ensure freshness and quality, the ginger root should be firm, with an unwrinkled, smooth skin.

Ginger chunks can be added to a stir fry, or grated ginger can be mixed with honey, or butter as a glaze, for roasting vegetables. When making your own juices, freshly grated ginger, can provide an extra zing. Ginger can be included in salads, stews, curries, as well as sweet recipes. If you’re not much of a cook, you could try one of the many available, ginger teas. Alternatively you could treat yourself to a slice of Mrs Crimble’s ginger cake, which is also wheat free, or try the very refreshing Bottlegreens’s Ginger and lemongrass cordial, both are available at health food shops and some supermarkets.

Ginger could be seen as first aid on a plate, time tested for centuries in the East. Why not enjoy these benefits, and make ginger a regular item on your shopping list.