This week in Diversity

Imbolc ("IM-bulk") is an ancient festival generally celebrated on                 
              January 31, February 1, or February 2. It is also known as                       
              Candlemas, Brighid ("breed"), and Oimelc ("EE-mulk") which means                 
              ewe's milk. Imbolc is a Greater Sabbat in the Wiccan year.                       
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
              The celebration signals the middle of the season of long nights                  
              and anticipates the upcoming season of light. Celebrants make                    
              Corn Maidens from corn and wheat. The Maidens are dressed up and                 
              placed in a cradle known as a "Bride's Bed". A wand, usually                     
              tipped with an acorn or other large seed, is placed in the bed                   
              with the Maiden. The Maidens are generally kept year round as a                  
              symbol of fertility.                                                             
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
              Other interrelated interpretations of the festival center around                 
              the Irish Goddess Brighid, known for her healing, smithcraft, and                
              poetry gifts. Additional interpretations revolve around the birth                
              of lambs and the lactation of the ewes. Still others celebrate                   
              Imbolc as the recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to                
              the Sun God.