While many couples may wait until Valentine’s Day to have a romantic wedding where love is in the air, there’s another February holiday that’s just as sentimental, and we’re not talking about Groundhog Day. As loveable as Wiarton Willie is, we have another holiday in mind.
When Is It Celebrated?
Celebrated by Pagans in the Northern Hemisphere on February first or second, Imbolc is the Feast of the Goddess Brigid (or Brigit, Brig or Bree), one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the deities of ancient Ireland. Imbolc celebrates that the promise of Yule has been kept — the light is returning after the longest night of the year. Some Pagans celebrate Imbolc as a midwinter festival; for others, it’s the first day of spring.
What Does Imbolc Mean?
Imbolc means “in the belly” or “in the milk,” referencing the many pregnant animals that give birth in the spring. In Greek mythology, it’s when Persephone lights her lamp in Hades and begins her journey back to the Earth; she’ll arrive in spring.
Who Is Brigid?
Brigid is the goddess of poets, healers, and smithcrafters, such as blacksmiths and coppersmiths. Poets all but embody love; the 40 million Valentine’s cards sent in Canada certainly attest to that. Poets know that a word after a word after a word is power, both to hurt and to conjure magic out of thin air. But healers and smithcrafters? How do they fit into the loving feelings of Imbolc?
Healers bring forth life and fight to protect it against all ills. What could be more loving than that? If not for healers, your beloved might not even be there for you. If he or she ever battled for life, you have a healer to thank for your loved one’s presence in your life, and vice versa. Ancient Celts would see Brigid in deep wells and dark ponds; she knew the power of the water from pools in healing and the water of the womb in producing life.
What Customs Are Part of an Imbolc Wedding?
In times gone by, couples would marry at the blacksmith’s forge, as Brigid is the goddess of blacksmiths in particular. The fire of the forge represents light, heat, and life. Couples would bind their hearts and symbolize that bind by handfasting: tying a cord around their joined hands. Pagans the world around still practice handfasting.
In olden days, brides would often carry a horseshoe in their bridal bouquet to symbolize Brigid’s presence at the forge. It would be decorated with red and white ribbons — Brigid’s colors of blood and milk, birth and life, snow and sun.
In modern times, the colors of red and white are often associated with Valentine’s Day. Red symbolizes love, lust, excitement and passion. Thus, hearts are most commonly depicted in red, or in pink, mixing the two colors together. White represents reverence, peace, good and marriage, hence the tradition in the Western world of wearing a white wedding dress.
An Imbolc wedding would see the altar decorated with red and white candles, even homemade ice candles representing the snow and sun together; horseshoes representing the forge; a bowl of water to represent the wells Brigid was often seen in; new plants; a book of poetry; the first flowers of spring, such as hyacinths, daffodils and snowdrops; and healing herbs scattered about.
The couple being married could wear robes of red or white and crowns of flowers to honor the Goddess Brigid. The cord binding their hands would be red, as the color of love.
If you want a romantic winter wedding, consider Imbolc as the date for your ceremony. May the Goddess Brigid bless your union, your hearth and your home, and see you prosper as your family grows through the years. So mote it be.
February is just around the corner, so get ready for all things love. When you’re single, those red hearts, pink flowers and sweet nothings can be a trigger for loneliness, regardless of the reason you aren’t currently with a partner. Instead of getting anxious about Valentine’s Day or spending the month in a funk, prepare yourself for the barrage of advertisements and television shows.
Treat Valentine’s Day as Any Other Day
Shift the focus from love by ignoring Valentine’s Day. There’s no reason you have to celebrate February 14. Avoid movies and television shows about love. It’s the perfect time to try out a new genre to avoid the triggers that make you sad. This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Monday. You can simply keep up with your normal routine to make it seem like any other day.
Be Kind to Yourself
Ignoring Valentine’s Day isn’t going to be easy. You may want to explore some self-care strategies to keep the focus off the holiday and its sentiments. Make plans to do something that doesn’t keep you home crying over your relationship status. Invite some of your single friends over for a night of board games. Pamper yourself with a massage. Cook dinner for a family member. Plan a play date with the nieces and nephews. Send yourself flowers at work. Make your Valentine’s Day a celebration of you.
Go Shopping
Set a budget to buy something for yourself that you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Go somewhere to shop that is out of the ordinary. You can engage in some retail therapy without blowing your budget. Shopping for something special at the antique store with a limited budget can be just the distraction you need.
Do Something With Your Pet
Valentine’s Day is a great day to have a date with your furry four-legged friend. Take your dog to a new dog park or dog store. Go for a walk in a new park. Pick up a new toy for your cat. Have a photo shoot with your buddy. You might even cook something special that both of you can enjoy. If weather permits, go for a ride together. The important thing is to be with the one you love.
Brighten Someone Else’s Day
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one alone on Valentine’s Day. Just look around and you’ll find many others who have recently lost their significant other. Remember the adage, “It’s better to give than receive.” Do an act of kindness for someone else who may be grieving a relationship on Valentine’s Day.
Give a gift basket with tea or coffee and some homemade treats.
Take someone out for dinner or a movie, or even both.
Send flowers.
Go to a museum for an afternoon.
Write a note thanking them for their friendship.
Get Off Social Media
Valentine’s Day is not the day to be checking up on what your exes are doing. Try to avoid social media for a day or two around Valentine’s Day. Plan other activities to keep from being tempted. Get an adult coloring book and new colored pencils. Bake something special. Start using a language app. Read a book. Work a jigsaw puzzle. Get your mind busy with Sudoku or crosswords.
Love Yourself
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can be fun when you’re in a relationship. When you’re alone, it can be challenging. A relationship doesn’t define your worthiness of love. If you are spending this holiday alone, be compassionate to yourself. If you’re really struggling, reach out for professional help. There are many mental health resources in Canada. Don’t let the day get you down.
Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your partner, express gratitude, and strengthen your relationship.
The longer you’ve been in a relationship, the more likely it is you are taking your partner for granted. This is common with all connections, from romantic to familial. Still, a failure to appreciate your significant other can lead to lasting ramifications. It is important to express gratitude to your partner whenever possible. If you’re trying to get better at this task, now is the perfect time to consider some new ideas. Look over these tips and learn how you can show proper gratitude and strengthen your relationship.
Say It
Perhaps the easiest option available to you is simply telling your partner you are grateful. When you aren’t someone who expresses these sentiments often, the act of stating your appreciation can have a big impact. Still, many people believe actions speak louder than words. While saying it can be a good start, you also might find it beneficial to look at additional ways to nail the point home. A small gift or card can be a nice token of affection that adds an extra emotional kick to your attempt at expressing appreciation.
Talk Your Partner Up
Gratitude goes beyond simply saying it to the person you are thankful for. You also want to let the world know how much you appreciate what your partner does for you in your relationship. The more you get in the habit of talking your partner up to friends and family members, the more likely it is your significant other will be viewed favorably by the people who matter to you. What’s more, your kind words are likely to get back to your partner’s ears and provide a nice boost of confidence.
Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship
Falling into a routine with your partner is an easy way to allow bad habits to take control. After living together for years, you might feel like the romance in your relationship is dwindling. When you’re looking to show some appreciation, there are few ideas as invigorating as taking your significant other out for a night on the town. A date night involving a meal, a movie, and some dancing can be a wonderful way to break free of your routine and engage with each other the way you did when you first met.
Adjust Your Behavior
You might feel appreciation within, but it stands to reason your behavior does not always show it. When you’re in a bad or low mood, you might take it out on your significant other in small ways. If this happens, your partner might feel he or she did something to upset you. To keep showing gratitude when you’re in a foul mood, be sure to check yourself and adjust your behavior. Thank your partner for being there, and talk about what’s really bothering you to avoid a pointless confrontation.
Do the Work
You and your partner may split the responsibilities related to maintaining your home. One way to show appreciation that is sure to have a positive impact is taking on some of the chores your partner normally handles. When your significant other comes home and discovers the kitchen is already clean and sparkling, it can bring about a sense of joy that is hard to beat. Plus, your partner will likely be impressed you took on the responsibility without being prompted.
Engage in Physical Intimacy
Finally, never turn your nose up at the power of a gentle kiss on the cheek. Studies have shown most people feel appreciated when there is some type of physical affection involved. A loving hand on the shoulder or kiss when you’re about to leave for work is an easy way to keep the connection you share strong. Plus, it always feels nice when your partner wants to touch you in a comforting way.
To make your relationship work, you need to show gratitude. Think about these ways of expressing your thankfulness to improve your relationship.
While many couples may wait until Valentine’s Day to have a romantic wedding where love is in the air, there’s another February holiday that’s just as sentimental, and we’re not talking about Groundhog Day. As loveable as Wiarton Willie is, we have another holiday in mind.
When Is It Celebrated?
Celebrated by Pagans in the Northern Hemisphere on February first or second, Imbolc is the Feast of the Goddess Brigid (or Brigit, Brig or Bree), one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the deities of ancient Ireland. Imbolc celebrates that the promise of Yule has been kept — the light is returning after the longest night of the year. Some Pagans celebrate Imbolc as a midwinter festival; for others, it’s the first day of spring.
What Does Imbolc Mean?
Imbolc means “in the belly” or “in the milk,” referencing the many pregnant animals that give birth in the spring. In Greek mythology, it’s when Persephone lights her lamp in Hades and begins her journey back to the Earth; she’ll arrive in spring.
Who Is Brigid?
Brigid is the goddess of poets, healers, and smithcrafters, such as blacksmiths and coppersmiths. Poets all but embody love; the 40 million Valentine’s cards sent in Canada certainly attest to that. Poets know that a word after a word after a word is power, both to hurt and to conjure magic out of thin air. But healers and smithcrafters? How do they fit into the loving feelings of Imbolc?
Healers bring forth life and fight to protect it against all ills. What could be more loving than that? If not for healers, your beloved might not even be there for you. If he or she ever battled for life, you have a healer to thank for your loved one’s presence in your life, and vice versa. Ancient Celts would see Brigid in deep wells and dark ponds; she knew the power of the water from pools in healing and the water of the womb in producing life.
What Customs Are Part of an Imbolc Wedding?
In times gone by, couples would marry at the blacksmith’s forge, as Brigid is the goddess of blacksmiths in particular. The fire of the forge represents light, heat, and life. Couples would bind their hearts and symbolize that bind by handfasting: tying a cord around their joined hands. Pagans the world around still practice handfasting.
In olden days, brides would often carry a horseshoe in their bridal bouquet to symbolize Brigid’s presence at the forge. It would be decorated with red and white ribbons — Brigid’s colors of blood and milk, birth and life, snow and sun.
In modern times, the colors of red and white are often associated with Valentine’s Day. Red symbolizes love, lust, excitement and passion. Thus, hearts are most commonly depicted in red, or in pink, mixing the two colors together. White represents reverence, peace, good and marriage, hence the tradition in the Western world of wearing a white wedding dress.
An Imbolc wedding would see the altar decorated with red and white candles, even homemade ice candles representing the snow and sun together; horseshoes representing the forge; a bowl of water to represent the wells Brigid was often seen in; new plants; a book of poetry; the first flowers of spring, such as hyacinths, daffodils and snowdrops; and healing herbs scattered about.
The couple being married could wear robes of red or white and crowns of flowers to honor the Goddess Brigid. The cord binding their hands would be red, as the color of love.
If you want a romantic winter wedding, consider Imbolc as the date for your ceremony. May the Goddess Brigid bless your union, your hearth and your home, and see you prosper as your family grows through the years. So mote it be.
February is just around the corner, so get ready for all things love. When you’re single, those red hearts, pink flowers and sweet nothings can be a trigger for loneliness, regardless of the reason you aren’t currently with a partner. Instead of getting anxious about Valentine’s Day or spending the month in a funk, prepare yourself for the barrage of advertisements and television shows.
Treat Valentine’s Day as Any Other Day
Shift the focus from love by ignoring Valentine’s Day. There’s no reason you have to celebrate February 14. Avoid movies and television shows about love. It’s the perfect time to try out a new genre to avoid the triggers that make you sad. This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Monday. You can simply keep up with your normal routine to make it seem like any other day.
Be Kind to Yourself
Ignoring Valentine’s Day isn’t going to be easy. You may want to explore some self-care strategies to keep the focus off the holiday and its sentiments. Make plans to do something that doesn’t keep you home crying over your relationship status. Invite some of your single friends over for a night of board games. Pamper yourself with a massage. Cook dinner for a family member. Plan a play date with the nieces and nephews. Send yourself flowers at work. Make your Valentine’s Day a celebration of you.
Go Shopping
Set a budget to buy something for yourself that you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Go somewhere to shop that is out of the ordinary. You can engage in some retail therapy without blowing your budget. Shopping for something special at the antique store with a limited budget can be just the distraction you need.
Do Something With Your Pet
Valentine’s Day is a great day to have a date with your furry four-legged friend. Take your dog to a new dog park or dog store. Go for a walk in a new park. Pick up a new toy for your cat. Have a photo shoot with your buddy. You might even cook something special that both of you can enjoy. If weather permits, go for a ride together. The important thing is to be with the one you love.
Brighten Someone Else’s Day
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one alone on Valentine’s Day. Just look around and you’ll find many others who have recently lost their significant other. Remember the adage, “It’s better to give than receive.” Do an act of kindness for someone else who may be grieving a relationship on Valentine’s Day.
Give a gift basket with tea or coffee and some homemade treats.
Take someone out for dinner or a movie, or even both.
Send flowers.
Go to a museum for an afternoon.
Write a note thanking them for their friendship.
Get Off Social Media
Valentine’s Day is not the day to be checking up on what your exes are doing. Try to avoid social media for a day or two around Valentine’s Day. Plan other activities to keep from being tempted. Get an adult coloring book and new colored pencils. Bake something special. Start using a language app. Read a book. Work a jigsaw puzzle. Get your mind busy with Sudoku or crosswords.
Love Yourself
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can be fun when you’re in a relationship. When you’re alone, it can be challenging. A relationship doesn’t define your worthiness of love. If you are spending this holiday alone, be compassionate to yourself. If you’re really struggling, reach out for professional help. There are many mental health resources in Canada. Don’t let the day get you down.
Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your partner, express gratitude, and strengthen your relationship.
The longer you’ve been in a relationship, the more likely it is you are taking your partner for granted. This is common with all connections, from romantic to familial. Still, a failure to appreciate your significant other can lead to lasting ramifications. It is important to express gratitude to your partner whenever possible. If you’re trying to get better at this task, now is the perfect time to consider some new ideas. Look over these tips and learn how you can show proper gratitude and strengthen your relationship.
Say It
Perhaps the easiest option available to you is simply telling your partner you are grateful. When you aren’t someone who expresses these sentiments often, the act of stating your appreciation can have a big impact. Still, many people believe actions speak louder than words. While saying it can be a good start, you also might find it beneficial to look at additional ways to nail the point home. A small gift or card can be a nice token of affection that adds an extra emotional kick to your attempt at expressing appreciation.
Talk Your Partner Up
Gratitude goes beyond simply saying it to the person you are thankful for. You also want to let the world know how much you appreciate what your partner does for you in your relationship. The more you get in the habit of talking your partner up to friends and family members, the more likely it is your significant other will be viewed favorably by the people who matter to you. What’s more, your kind words are likely to get back to your partner’s ears and provide a nice boost of confidence.
Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship
Falling into a routine with your partner is an easy way to allow bad habits to take control. After living together for years, you might feel like the romance in your relationship is dwindling. When you’re looking to show some appreciation, there are few ideas as invigorating as taking your significant other out for a night on the town. A date night involving a meal, a movie, and some dancing can be a wonderful way to break free of your routine and engage with each other the way you did when you first met.
Adjust Your Behavior
You might feel appreciation within, but it stands to reason your behavior does not always show it. When you’re in a bad or low mood, you might take it out on your significant other in small ways. If this happens, your partner might feel he or she did something to upset you. To keep showing gratitude when you’re in a foul mood, be sure to check yourself and adjust your behavior. Thank your partner for being there, and talk about what’s really bothering you to avoid a pointless confrontation.
Do the Work
You and your partner may split the responsibilities related to maintaining your home. One way to show appreciation that is sure to have a positive impact is taking on some of the chores your partner normally handles. When your significant other comes home and discovers the kitchen is already clean and sparkling, it can bring about a sense of joy that is hard to beat. Plus, your partner will likely be impressed you took on the responsibility without being prompted.
Engage in Physical Intimacy
Finally, never turn your nose up at the power of a gentle kiss on the cheek. Studies have shown most people feel appreciated when there is some type of physical affection involved. A loving hand on the shoulder or kiss when you’re about to leave for work is an easy way to keep the connection you share strong. Plus, it always feels nice when your partner wants to touch you in a comforting way.
To make your relationship work, you need to show gratitude. Think about these ways of expressing your thankfulness to improve your relationship.
