Headfirst Editor's Pick
"Sell out warning! Already dreaming of the end of winter? Celebrate the mid-point between winter solstice and spring equinox - aka the homeward stretch to brighter days - with this workshop to make a traditional folkloric straw doll inspired by St. Brigid, the fire goddess and patroness saint of Ireland."
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A event on Monday 30th January. The event starts at 17:30.
IMBOLC BlESSINGS AND RITUALS: MAKING OF A BRIGID (BRIDEOG) STRAW DOLL
HISTORY, INSPIRATION AND CRAFT
The event is meant to trace the origins of Imbolc, a celebration that originates from the Celts and dates back to the pre-Christian era in the British Isles. Imbolc symbolizes the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and occurs on the 1st and 2nd of February. The word "Imbolc" means "in the belly of the Mother," because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth. The festivity was aligned with the breeding cycle of sheep and the start of the lactation period, thus implying the idea of rebirth.
The class includes an introduction to the origins of this pagan festival by tracing its transformations up to this century in the format of a lecture, a guided meditation to celebrate this special time of year altogether, and the creation of a custom magic doll inspired by the traditional Brigid doll.
Imbolc celebrations, in fact, were traditionally related to the pagan goddess Brigid (Brighid, Bride, Brigit), who was evoked in fertility blessings and oversaw poetry, crafts, and prophecy. The goddess was so much loved that her worship was woven into the Christian church as St Bridget, the saint patroness of Ireland.
One way to celebrate Imbolc and bring the magic of the goddess into our homes is to make a Brideog (pronounced Bree-jog) and hang it over the house door. The doll is traditionally made with straw or rushes twisted into the shape of a doll and decorated with greenery from the garden and the first flowers, ribbons, and beads.
The event is offered by Mireinart & Lily Bloom and it's the presentation of their joint-project CRAFTS & LORE - a unique and fascinating way to explore folklore through art and crafts!
Mireinart / Marta Isabella Reina (bio)
Marta is a visual artist who works on symbolism, folklore, magic, mythological and religious imagery (www.mireinart.com). Besides her illustration activity, she promotes tarot culture and heritage by organizing lectures, courses, and events in Bristol. She is doing research on mutual dreaming (doppelnovelle.com) and organizes social dreaming drawing events.
Lily Bloom / Lilian Martha May (bio)
Lily is a Bristol-based artist and works with a range of mediums and materials, most notably with Flora (www.instagram.com/lilybloomfloral). Lily is also a therapeutic arts facilitator and has worked in a variety of public and private sector settings. Her approach to her work surrounds themes of People, Planet, and Place and she seeks to provide accessible spaces for people to explore their creative selves.
Duration: 2 hours
Places: 12
Cost: £20
Where: Bristol Vintage
15 West St, Bristol BS2 0DF
Info: [email protected]
Instagram: @lilybloomfloral @mireinart
Entry requirements:
HISTORY, INSPIRATION AND CRAFT
The event is meant to trace the origins of Imbolc, a celebration that originates from the Celts and dates back to the pre-Christian era in the British Isles. Imbolc symbolizes the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and occurs on the 1st and 2nd of February. The word "Imbolc" means "in the belly of the Mother," because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth. The festivity was aligned with the breeding cycle of sheep and the start of the lactation period, thus implying the idea of rebirth.
The class includes an introduction to the origins of this pagan festival by tracing its transformations up to this century in the format of a lecture, a guided meditation to celebrate this special time of year altogether, and the creation of a custom magic doll inspired by the traditional Brigid doll.
Imbolc celebrations, in fact, were traditionally related to the pagan goddess Brigid (Brighid, Bride, Brigit), who was evoked in fertility blessings and oversaw poetry, crafts, and prophecy. The goddess was so much loved that her worship was woven into the Christian church as St Bridget, the saint patroness of Ireland.
One way to celebrate Imbolc and bring the magic of the goddess into our homes is to make a Brideog (pronounced Bree-jog) and hang it over the house door. The doll is traditionally made with straw or rushes twisted into the shape of a doll and decorated with greenery from the garden and the first flowers, ribbons, and beads.
The event is offered by Mireinart & Lily Bloom and it's the presentation of their joint-project CRAFTS & LORE - a unique and fascinating way to explore folklore through art and crafts!
Mireinart / Marta Isabella Reina (bio)
Marta is a visual artist who works on symbolism, folklore, magic, mythological and religious imagery (www.mireinart.com). Besides her illustration activity, she promotes tarot culture and heritage by organizing lectures, courses, and events in Bristol. She is doing research on mutual dreaming (doppelnovelle.com) and organizes social dreaming drawing events.
Lily Bloom / Lilian Martha May (bio)
Lily is a Bristol-based artist and works with a range of mediums and materials, most notably with Flora (www.instagram.com/lilybloomfloral). Lily is also a therapeutic arts facilitator and has worked in a variety of public and private sector settings. Her approach to her work surrounds themes of People, Planet, and Place and she seeks to provide accessible spaces for people to explore their creative selves.
Duration: 2 hours
Places: 12
Cost: £20
Where: Bristol Vintage
15 West St, Bristol BS2 0DF
Info: [email protected]
Instagram: @lilybloomfloral @mireinart
Entry requirements:
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