Imbolg

Irish: i mbolg), meaning ‘in the belly’, It is held 1 Februry, St Brigid’s day. She was a radical saint and protector of women, the cold swim is a traditional yearly tribute. Exploring, the silently strong community of women swimming in the Atlantic.

A portrait story documenting women who practice cold water swimming in the Atlantic and Irish Sea. Through their stories of humble strength and solidarity we hope to shed light on this powerful yet quiet tradition that ties so many women together.

Irish: Imbolg, meaning ‘in the belly’, is held on February 1st, which is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

Imbolg is thought of as a time of purification and clearing out, a time to shed the past and move forward with hope.

Saint Brigid, the saint of Imbolg, was considered the goddess of holy wells and springs, and as a transformer ; as a midwife she was thought to help “birth” the new year and its growing light.

Through the women we encounter we draw parallels between their practice and connection to the elements and the symbol of St Brigid as a protector of women. She was the inventor of the world’s first rape whistle and performed abortions for women in need, and while being a widely celebrated catholic saint, was the daughter of a pagan and a forward thinking, radical voice.