February 1st - St. Brigid’s Day
Also known as Bridget, Bridgit or Mary of the Gael, the ancient annals tell
of Brigid as the daughter of a wealthy Chieftain. Born in County Louth, on the
East coast of Ireland, Brigid was renowned for her generosity to the poor. Tired
of her giving his wealth away, her father granted her freedom to become a nun.
Brigid studied with St. Maccaille and was given her veil by St. Mel at Ardagh.
It was here in Ardagh that St. Brigid founded her first convent. Brigid goes
on to found religious settlements around Ireland. Perhaps the one which she
is most famous for is in Kildare. Even today, around Kildare the name of Brigid
is commemorated in place names and religious buildings around Ireland. Along
with St. Patrick she was one of the most influential figures in introducing
Christianity to Ireland.
The St Brigid’s Cross
The Cross is said to have been made by Brigid to illustrate Christianity to
a dying man. While visiting this pagan chieftain, she tried to explain to him
about the Christian faith. In order to illustrate her point, she took some rushes
and wove them into the shape of a cross. This cross has now become synonymous
with Saint Brigid. It also stands alongside the Shamrock, Brian Boru Harp and
Claddagh as one of the best-known Irish symbols. The cross is hung in the home,
usually over a doorway and is said to protect the home. It is believed to bring
good luck to all who cross the threshold. It is also reputed to give protection
against lightning.
St Brigid’s Day
The feast day of Saint Brigid is celebrated on February 1st every year, the
day Brigid is said to have died, aged 70. This is traditionally seen as the
first day of spring or growth in Ireland. It is thus the first day of the farmer’s
year. In the past, the old St. Brigids Cross was replaced with a new St. Brigid’s
cross was woven on this day each year, the cross being woven from rushes annually.
In some places a play is still performed on this day, where a young girl, representing
Brigid, knocks on the door of the house, is offered hospitality, symbolically
blesses the family and weaves crosses with them. There are also some superstitions
associated with the day. Farmers turned a sod of turf in the field, in the hope
of invoking good weather. To see a hedgehog was a sign of good weather to come,
but an exceptionally good day was taken as a poor omen. Often food such as butter
or salt was left as an offering for the Saint who was said to pass them by and
bestow healing qualities upon them.
St. Brigid’s Blessing
May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell
Bless every fireside, every wall and door
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy
Bless every foot that walks its portals through
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.
