On each of the four cross-quarter days, we tend to celebrate our Celtic heritage by having a dinner that may have been served in celebration of the seasonal days as recognized by our forebearers. Both Damsel and I have ancestry that traces back to ancient Western Europe, where the old celebrations may have taken place.
The name Imbolc derives from the Old Irish phrase i mbolg, literally meaning “in the belly,” which refers to the swelling abdomens or udders of pregnant ewes at the point of impending lactation. This etymology aligns with the festival’s historical association with early February, when sheep in Ireland typically began lambing and producing milk after winter, marking a key agricultural transition.
Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451–525), also known as Brigit or Bride, was a prominent Irish Christian saint, abbess, and founder of one of Ireland’s earliest monastic settlements at Kildare in the province of Leinster during the 5th century.
Both references above come from Grokipedia rather than Wikipedia; it is reference without the left-wing bias as in the latter case. Click on either link to view the Grokipedia articles about Imbolc and St. Brigid.
Our feast today will be Irish Guinness Beef Stew, modified for low-carb vegetables, of course. The feast will be posted on our food blog sometime later today.
Image above: Festive Cross of Saint Brigid adorning a feast table. Click to view enlarged.