Imbolc or also commonly called Saint Brighid's Day, is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. It is usually held on the 31st of January to the 1st of February, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox (Danaher, 1994). Like numerous Celtic festivals, Imbolc centers in the lighting of fires. In this particular festival, fire was the most important cause it celebrated the holy day of Brighid, the goddess of fire, fertility and healing. The lighting of fires celebrated the increase power of the sun over the following months. For the christian calendar, this holiday was renamed Candlemas when candles are lit to commemorate the purification of the virgin Mary (Bbc.co.uk, 2006).
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