Spring is Sprung!
Welcome Imbolc!
Imbolc (pronounced "IM-ulk") is the second of the four Celtic seasons, traditional in Ireland and Scotland.
They are:
1. Samhain (Winter) November 1st, the beginning of the new year, to January 31st.
2. Imbolc (Spring) February 1st to April 30th
3. Beltaine (Summer) May 1st to July 31st
4. Lughnasadh (Fall) August 1st to Oct. 31st
Why I follow the Celtic calendar
The ancient Celtic calendar follows the agricultural year more closely than our modern calendar. This is especially true for the beekeeper.
Why does the Celtic Spring start so early?
In most parts of the British Isles, February is a harsh and bitter month. But although this season was so cold and drear, small but sturdy signs of new life began to appear: Lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens begin to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice.
In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again. In Scotland, the Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Bride, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance.
from "The Celtic Year", http://www.celticspirit.org/imbolc.htm
But most important to me is that the queen begins to lay her eggs again in earnest in February, starting the build-up of brood that will soon be foraging forth as new workers in search of nectar amidst the bloom of new life.
So again,
Happy Imbolc!