imbolc/Là Fhèill Brighde

First of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, the others being Beltane (1st May), Lughnasadh (1st August) and Samhain (1st November). Celebrating the return of the light and the early signs of Spring. In some parts of the country I'm guessing that it doesn't feel very Springlike just now, so when I was searching for a sun image for today's blip, I chose this lovely linocut because it looks as though snow is falling behind the sun.

Imbolc is only a hint of a promise, the 'quickening of the year", a very feminine festival. Brigid was a pagan goddess whose worship became woven in with St Bridget, the Irish saint.

I did sit out in the little park outside The Usual Place today, and there was a some warmth in the midday sun. Only a little, mind :-)