Rooted in ancient practices, it blends Celtic and Germanic paganism traditions ... transitions between them with four fire festivals: Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain.

It's partly rooted in an old Celtic festival called Imbolc, which marked a "midpoint between seasons," according to the Almanac, which added, "The celebration of Imbolc signaled that the sun was ...

Imbolc marks the gentle return of the warmth ... fertility and healing. This old, Celtic, Irish festival was often celebrated by lighting fires and candles symbolizing the return of the sun.

Imbolc translates as “ewe’s milk” and ... The festival lasts for three days (as do all Celtic holidays), in honor of the goddess Brigid — patron of pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.