From http://www.ontariocorn.org/husk2.html
Imbolc Traditions
by Daisymoon
At this time huge bonfires burned in honor of the Goddess Brigid in hopes that they would bring an early spring. These fires symbolized purification after the dark winter of our souls and as a reminder of the reviving earth. Imbolc translates to mean "ewe's milk" because at this time of year baby lambs are born and their mothers begin to give milk. It is truly springs' beginning.
Her aspect, as the guardian of the land, is celebrated. The ancient Celts called the festival "Oiche Fheil Bhreghde" (oi-chi ayla vree-jida) which translates to The Festival of Brighid. After a wonderful year and harvest it is time once again for the goddess to change to her aspect from the crone to that of the maiden. At this time on the wheel she becomes the young waiting bride of the returning Sun/Son. Imbolc is the festival that honors the Goddess herself as the changing woman.
In Great Britain and Ireland Imbolc was and still is celebrated as a special day honoring the Goddess - Brighid. There are several stories of two women in celtic history with the name Brighid. The two seemed to be woven together into a tapestry of miracles. The Goddess, Brighid, is the Lady of Wisdom. Her triple goddess nature involves smithcraft, poetry, wisdom and healing. Brighid's fire is symbolic of the transformation of healing and the wisdom of the soul.
Our celtic ancestors would make dollies of grain to represent the waiting bride - Brighid. These grain dolls are known as Bride or Brighid dolls. Brighid dolls would be crafted and dressed in white then placed in honor by the hearth. On the day of Imbolc they would be laid to wait in a cradle called a bride's bed, with a piece of cord or rope (God symbol) thrown in for good luck. The bride's bed symbolizes the reawakening earth. They will rest there until Spring Equinox when they would be offered back to the earth as a symbol of renewal, which would hopefully guarantee another successful growing season.
As Christianity spread through the Celtic lands the Goddess Brighid with all her good work became St. Brighid. It is written in stories that after the death of St. Patrick it was St. Brighid who wove rushes or straw together to form a cross and traveled about spreading the word of God. Brighid's crosses were and still are made and hung from the rafters of the roof or on the back of the front door. It is believed to protect homes from want and evil and to ensure good health and fortune for the coming year. Her church was called the temple of Kildare, which means "Church of the Oak". For many centuries a sacred pagan flame continued to burn there.
Making of a Brighid Doll.
What you will need:
Step 1:
Take a strip of husk and place a few cotton balls in the middle, Twisting and tying it with string to make a head
From http://www.ontariocorn.org/husk2.html
Step 2:
Make some arms by folding another husk and tying it near each end to make hands. Slip the arms between the husked that extend under the head. Tie the waist with string.
From http://www.ontariocorn.org/husk2.html
Step 3:
Arrange enough husk around the doll's waist so that they overlap slightly. Tie them in place with string.
From http://www.ontariocorn.org/husk2.html
Step 4:
Fold the husks down carefully. To make a long skirt, cut husks straight across the bottom to make a hem
From http://www.ontariocorn.org/husk2.html
Step 5:
You can leave your doll as is or you can give her a face, hair, some fancy clothes.
Example of Daisymoon's 2002 Brighid Doll
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