Stories of our Saints: St Brigid
The stories and traditions relating to St Brigid have been an incredibly important part of Irish culture and folklore for many generations. Taking place on February 1st, this day marks the beginning of Spring and celebrates new life, creativity and strong women.
With the dark, cold days we are currently facing, the celebrations of St Brigid's Day and the light it brings are needed now more than any other time we have known. This is why we, at the Association, wanted to share her story and traditions with you.
In the small Irish town of Faughart in AD 450, Brigid was born to a Pagan Chieftain and Christian. Brigid’s father named her after one of the most powerful goddesses of the pagan religion - the goddess of fire, whose manifestations were song, craftsmanship, and poetry, which was considered to be the flame of knowledge. Brigid spent her earlier life cooking, cleaning, washing and feeding the animals on her father’s farm.
She lived during the time of St. Patrick, was inspired by his preachings and therefore became a Christian. When Brigid turned eighteen, her father wanted her to find a husband but she had instead decided to give her life to God's work through taking care of poor, sick and elderly people.
Legend says that she prayed that her beauty would be taken away from her so no one would seek her hand in marriage. Her prayer was granted, she finally entered the convent where she received her veil from St. Macaille and made her vows to dedicate her life to God. Legend also says that Brigid regained her beauty after making her vows and that God made her more beautiful than ever. News of Brigid’s good works spread and soon many young girls from all over the country joined her
Brigid founded many convents all over Ireland; the most famous one being in Co. Kildare and it is said that this convent was built beside an oak tree where the town of Kildare now stands. Around 470 she also founded a double monastery, for nuns and monks, in Kildare. As Abbess of this foundation she wielded considerable power, but was a very wise and prudent superior. The Abbey of Kildare became one of the most prestigious monasteries in Ireland, and was famous throughout Christian Europe.
Since her death in 525 AD, time has seen many ways to honour St Brigid. In Ireland, an important tradition is the St Brigid's Day Procession. As she is said to walk the earth once again on the eve of her feast day, each member of the family leaves a piece of cloth outside for St. Brigid to bless before going to bed.
The head of the household would smother the fire and rake the ashes smooth. In the morning, the family look for some kind of mark on the ashes, a sign that St Brigid has passed that way during the night and the cloths are brought inside, and they are believed to now have powers of healing and protection. On the following day, the girls of the families carry the cloths through the village or neighbourhood, from house to house, where this representation of St Brigid is welcomed with great honour.
Today, we still widely celebrate the feast of St Brigid, but in a way that is a little different. Each year, we honour the saint by making, blessing and giving St Brigid's Day crosses, usually of straw or rushes. Many who visit Ireland during February 1st are very likely to notice families honouring the feast day, as these woven crosses are displayed in the windows and doorways of homes to keep fire, hunger and evil at bay.
As the practice is very simple, and can make great home-schooling and culture projects, why not make your own Brigid's Day cross this year? For those who would like to try, we have included a link below to craft materials and a video class, we hope you enjoy.
On behalf of everyone at Birmingham Irish Association, we would like to extend blessings this St Brigid's Day, from our family to yours. We hope that the light half of this year brings peace, joy and new beginnings to you all.
May the blessing of Saint Brigid be with you.
Links you may find useful:
- Instructional video: Click here
Craft materials:
- 100 Green Pipe Cleaners: Click here
- Crepe paper roll 180g: Click here
- Stylecraft Knitting Yarn/Wool 100g Ball:
Click here
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