An exploratory study of food traditions associated with Imbolg (St. Brigid’s Day) from The Irish Schools’ Folklore Collection

This study explores the food traditions of Imbolg or St. Brigid’s Day (1st February), one quarter days Irish calendar year, which heralds awakening spring. is comparable to Christmas eve, in that celebratory potato dishes such as colcannon ‘poundies’ and boxty are consumed. Throughout Schools’ Collection (6,000 copybooks filled with folklore collected by over 50,000 children), a rich history where customs, superstitions, divinations mixing pagan Christian evident. Four main themes: ‘Dishes’, ‘Brigid’s Crosses’, ‘Biddy Boys Brídeogs’ ‘Brigid, miracles religion’ were identified, share an affinity extant literature. However, certain nuances also highlighted Folklore (SFC) revealing oftentimes neglected culture. paper aims address current lacuna within literature concerning foodways, whilst highlighting opportunities for further research.