My grandmother always said when the robins appear, spring is not far behind. Now I wonder what the groundhog will say on the morrow?
When I stepped outside to take these shots, the trees were wild with bird chatter. They were chirping like there may be no tomorrow. I stood and soaked it in, listening to the sounds of nature doing her thing. The birds were heralding a new day, a new season.
Today is also known as imbolc in the pagan tradition. It is celebrated on February 1 through sundown of February 2.
The day is symbolic of the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It comes to us from the Celtic traditions in Ireland and Scotland.
The day dates back to pre-Christian era in the British Isles (which means, of course, it wasn't always called February 1, it was whatever calendar they used then).
Imbolc celebrations took the form of a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility rites and oversaw poetry, crafts and prophecy. Brigid was worshipped by the Filid, a class of poets and historians among the Celts of ancient Ireland and Britain.
As with most pagan rites, this celebration was absorbed by the Catholic Church. St. Bridget took the place of the pagan goddess.
For more information about imbolc, check out the information on history.com here.
Oh, I am so envious of your robins!
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty birds! I don't believe we have them here in Phoenix. I'm sure a lot of people are hoping the groundhog will say we will have an early spring when he comes out tomorrow. Too much cold and too much snow for big chunks of our country!
ReplyDeletebetty