Imbolc

 

Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep.
It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk."
Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing.
It is the time of blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools.
Some of the activities traditional to the festival are the lighting of candles, gathering of stones, hiking in the snow and searching for signs of spring, decorating plows, feasting, and lighting bonfires.
The traditional festival day is February 1st.
Today the festival is celebrated on February 2nd, and marks the midway point of winter.
It is the source of Groundhog Day.

More on Imbolc here.