Adoration for Imbolc
Hail the quickening of the year;
Hail the growing curve showing
On the belly of the earth;
Hail the awakening, the light returning,
The heart-brightening restoration
Of Spirit’s hunger for the new.
Hail snowdrops and spring cleaning;
Hail the dawnful farmers looking
To the arrival of the lambs;
Hail the beginning, the blackbird singing,
The gorgeous expectancy that the ground
Will say amen to renewal.
Imbolc is a Gaelic festival celebrating the coming of spring. It originates from an Old Irish word meaning ‘in the belly’. At this time of year, the pregnancy of nature begins to show.
It is also known as ‘Feile Brighde’ – the quickening of the year. Halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, the promise of new life can be felt.
For Christians, it is Candlemas – a festival of light.
This year, it happily happens to coincide with the Lunar New Year.
A blessed Imbolc and Candlemas to you, and a happy New Year!
Gideon Heugh
Gideon Heugh 