Wow, will have to read again, maybe translate to german for more deeper understanding. Me too I love the old traditions coming out of the circle of year and nature. Brigid is my name parton by the way and sometimes I think there is a lot of Brigid in me :-)
For my place, there are not many people still celebrating Imbolc and Candlemess.
But we have our "Fasching" carnival, wich is in February. Of course for most people its only party, fun, alcohol.... but the roots behind these traditions are very old. Hm, maybe I can write something, will think about.
We have the "Faschingsdienstag" carnival tuesday, I think its in 2 weeks from now.
Thank you for this great post and happy happy belated birthday to you !LUV
Please do write about it if you have time!