There is no evidence that Imbolc, the equivalent term in Old Irish,
was ever part of Scottish Gaelic. In Ireland Imbolc was (is) celebrated
as the second Quarter Day of the Celtic
year, February 1st (O.S. or 13th New Style), dedicated to Brigit,
the Celtic goddess of the Spring. This same day has a parallel celebration
in Scottish tradition - it is traditionally regarded as the first
day of spring. Since the sixth century, it has been dedicated to
St. Bride whose feast day, Latha Féill'
Brighde, is February first.
[Margaret Bennett, SCOTTISH CALENDAR CUSTOMS, in The Oxford Book
of Scottish History, ed. M. Lynch, 2001]
See also Celtic Year.
