Celebrating Imbolc & the beginning of spring across the globe
The spell of winter is lifting, though its retreat varies from place to place. We now find ourselves halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, known to modern pagans as Ostara. In the Gaelic calendar, this time is marked by Imbolc on 1st February , heralding the beginning of spring — at least in the northern hemisphere. For those in the southern hemisphere, 1st February falls midway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.
Imbolc is traditionally a quiet, introspective time. Though the days have begun to lengthen, they remain short and often frosty, especially in northern regions. Yet, signs of spring are emerging such as one specifically associated with Imbolc - the start of lambing season, when the ewes give birth and produce their first milk. Seeds may or may not be ready to plant, but plans for the coming growing season at least can take root. Central to Imbolc is the figure of Brigid, a pre-Christian goddess later venerated as a saint. Brigid is associated with healing, poetry, blacksmithing, and serpents, embodying the transformative energy of this season. A beloved Imbolc tradition is the crafting of , woven from rushes or straw. These crosses, often designed in a four-armed swastika-like pattern, are thought to symbolize the sun or fire and are hung for protection and blessings.
The sun rises over a canal in Bangkok, Thailand.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, brings a vibrant celebration of renewal. Occurring on the second new moon after the winter solstice, this festival marks the start of the lunar new year. While Imbolc is a quieter observance, Chinese New Year is a lively, colorful affair, filled with fireworks, feasts, and family gatherings. Red envelopes, filled with symbolic amounts of money, are traditionally exchanged to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. Despite their differences, both celebrations share themes of light, hope, and the promise of new beginnings.
Chinatown in Bangkok decorates its streets, hosts performances and opens even more market stalls to celebrate the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year.
Red envelopes are given to each other for good fortune.
No matter where you are — whether you’re witnessing the first green shoots of spring, buried under snow, basking in the heat at the equator or awaiting the rainy season — these themes resonate universally. They can be celebrated symbolically, adapting to your climate or hemisphere. For those in the southern hemisphere celebrating Imbolc at the same time as the northern hemisphere, incorporating these themes into local seasonal festivals can add depth and meaning, since the climate and harvest cycle is opposite. Colours, symbols and motifs like renewal, light, fire, prosperity and fertility recur across cultures. During Imbolc, white can symbolizes purity and the lingering snow, green for growth, while red and gold honor the returning sun and Brigid’s fiery energy. In Chinese New Year, red dominates as a symbol of luck and joy, while gold represents wealth and prosperity. Interestingly, this year, the snake appears in both traditions: it is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, while the snake is also a symbol of Brigid, representing transformation and renewal — a fitting emblem for spring.
2025 is the year of the Snake.
On a personal note, this time of year invites reflection. I’ve found myself caught in a paradox: trying so hard not to care, only to care even more about not caring. In striving to detach from the ego, I’ve created another layer of it. Imbolc reminds me that darkness gives way to light, but light cannot exist without darkness. Balance is key. It’s a time to listen to myself and to the world as it opens up to new possibilities.
