Imbolc of old was traditionally a time of purification, both physically and mentally.
After the dark winter months when the home was shutdown to guard against the cold, it was a welcome relief for many people to re-open the shutters and welcome in the sunlight.
While still in the grip of the last ravages of winter, plant life begins to revive as the first new buds of Spring appear.
As the Sun grows in strength animals begin to mate and a new cycle of life returns to the earth.
