We are finally through what seems like the longest January and Spring has officially begun! February is now upon us, and one of our favourite days from school was spent "Trying" to make a St. Brigid's Cross!
Saint Brigid's Day is a feast day that celebrates the iconic Irish saint & also marks the beginning of Spring. The day itself is believed to have its origins within a Pagan festival called "Imbolc", which was then adopted by Christianity.
Imbolc referred to the coming birth of the spring lambs, and was observed in Gaelic Ireland during the Middle Ages. Now we celebrate it as the feast day of St Brigid, who has been called the Pearl of Ireland and forms the trinity of the country’s Patron Saints along with St Patrick and St Columcille.
Who Was St. Brigid?
Born in Dundalk in c450 AD, St. Brigid is regarded as one of the earliest Christian nuns. She founded many monasteries, most notably the settlement at Kildare, which she founded around 480. She is said to have created the first unique cross, which now bears her name.
St. Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare, Ireland.
St. Brigid died on 1 February 525, and this date is still celebrated as St. Brigid’s Day. She was buried in a tomb in the Monastery she founded in Kildare. Her remains were later moved to Downpatrick. There, she was laid to rest with Ireland’s other patron saints, St. Patrick and St. Columcille.
St. Brigid's Day
The custom on this day is for a St Brigid’s Cross to be made; a four-armed cross woven from rushes grown in local fields. When completed, these crosses are traditionally located over windows & doorways in an Irish home in order to keep all inhabitants safe from harm for the year ahead. It is thought to keep evil, fire and hunger from the home in which it is displayed.
The St. Brigid's Cross has taken its place alongside the Harp, Shamrock and Celtic Cross as one of Ireland's most recognisable symbols. Its intricate and woven design makes it a classic piece of Ireland, which celebrates St. Brigid to this day.
Our Celtic Jewellery collection features a beautiful St. Brigid's Cross Pendant ( Pictured Below ), perfect for adding that Irish Charm to any outfit! Crafted with a unique Connemara Marble that dates back over 900 million years and is known as “Ireland’s gemstone”.
Happy St. Brigid's Day to you all and good luck making your own crosses!
Slán go fóill!
