Imbolc
Imbolc is the festival which marks the early beginnings of spring, and celebrates the return of the warmer months of the year. The festival focuses on the Cailleach, who gives birth to the Sun, or Golden Boy at this time. This represents the first kindling of warmth for the summer months to come, and the end of the Cailleach's reign during winter. Imbolc is an Irish Gaelic word meaning 'in the belly', and this indicates the readiness of the earth to 'give birth' to life again in spring.
Brigid is another character associated with Imbolc. She is considered a guardian of learning, prophesy, poetry, healing and metal-working, and at Imbolc serves as the midwife for the Cailleach as she gives birth to the Golden Boy, and nurtures him until Beltane.
Imbolc was traditionally held at the start of spring, and has been associated with indications of spring, such as the first lambs of spring being born, and leaves beginning to appear on the trees. It was a time for the people of the community to come together in winter, celebrate their success in surviving this harsh time, and look forward to the return of spring and summer.