Wisdom of the Seasons: Candlemas and Imbolc on the Homestead
Candlemas, Imbolc, Groundhog’s Day, and St. Brigid’s Day: these are all names for February 2nd in various cultures and beliefs in the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern Hemisphere would celebrate Imbolc on August 2nd. No matter what name you give the day or what hemisphere you live in, it marks the half-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In ancient cultures it marked the beginning of spring. This year, 2022, February 1st is also Chinese New Year which makes it an extra special Imbolc. Imbolc is a special day often overlooked in American culture only to be celebrated by young school children who anxiously await to see if Punxsutawney Phil will be scared by his shadow or not. Is there going to be six more weeks of winter?
This day in February (or August for my Southern Hemisphere readers) marks the height of the cold. Although there will be cold days ahead, in general the days will gradually become warmer. The earliest of the spring flowers, such as Snowdrops and Crocuses, begin to poke their heads out. They are followed shortly by the Daffodils.
“Spring is coming, Spring is coming,
Birdies build your nests.
Weave together straw and feather,
Doing each your best.
Spring is coming, Spring is coming,
Flowers are coming too.
Crocus, lilies, daffo-dillies,
All are coming through.
Spring is coming, Spring is coming,
All around is fair.
Shimmer, quiver, on the river,
Joy is everywhere.”
When you live in tune with the seasons on a homestead you will notice that they don’t align with the American calendar. Spring does not start in mid-March and certainly there are more seasons than just four. Candlemas and Imbolc really are the start to early-Spring. With early spring also comes lambing, kidding, and calving season. New gardens get imagined and planned. Hope after a long winter returns.
Imbolc in the Home
Do you have a seasonal area in your home? The nature table I had when my children were young has transformed into a nature mantel. On Imbolc, all winter items should be put away for the year and signs of Spring should replace them. The first flowers, pussy willows, and catkins are some ideas for your nature table. Even a fresh bouquet of flowers from Costco does wonders for a simple seasonal decoration. My Costco flowers always last 2-3 weeks and they always offer a seasonal option.
Historically, Candlemas was the day in which the church blessed its candles for the year. Candles still play an important part for this time of year whether you are Christian or pagan. Light candles today or have a candlelit dinner. This helps give light to the coming Spring.
Making candles and a St. Brigid cross are two crafts you can do to celebrate the day.
“If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another flight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won’t come again.”
Imbolc and Seasonal Cooking
The changing of the seasons also marks a natural change in diet. Late winter and early spring is a time when many of us are living off of canned and frozen food. Now is the perfect time to access your freezer and canned goods. Do you have enough to make it until your Spring garden? Or do you have an excess that needs to be worked through or given away so that you finish your stored goods when canning time returns?
This is the time of year of chickens start laying their eggs again. Well, modern invention has made it possible for chickens to lay all year round if they are given enough light. But chickens without lights in their coops will begin laying again. Wild birds are on their migratory paths to return to their nesting places. I know the Canada Goose couple that graces our pond every year to nest has returned. Eggs celebrate Spring. Imbolc and Candlemas are both often celebrated by eating crepes or eggy pancakes. These are often flavored with saffron, the color of the sun and returning light.
Nettles, dandelions, and fiddleheads are three early Spring edibles that should be emerging soon depending on where you live. Fresh greens can be welcoming after a winter diet. Remember to take care when gathering nettles. Wear gloves to avoid their sting and be sure to dehydrate or cook them before eating.
Imbolc on the Homestead
Early February is the time to focus on pruning. Both orchard trees and roses should be pruned at this time before their budding begins. Another important task for this time of year is garden planning and early garden preparations. Both lettuce and peas can be sowed when the soil reaches just 40℉ so these are good choices for an early Spring garden.
New life on the farm is always joyful and lambing, kidding, and calving season should be starting soon. Make sure you ready with clean birthing pens, a birthing kit, and a plan in case there are birthing emergencies.
Mud on the homestead also can be a problem this time of year. Unfortunately, this late in the season is not the time to cure the problem. Instead, take note of where your mud problems are and the flow of rain and snow melt on your property. Taking notes now will help you solve the problems in Summer when everything is dried out.
The type of chores performed on the farm change around Imbolc and the drudgery of winter changes to the happy busy hustle of Spring.
The wisdom of this Imbolc season is new hope. What are you doing to celebrate spring on the homestead?