History

Stories of two women named Brigid appear to be intertwined in an intricate Celtic Knot of myths and miracles. Both a pagan goddess and a Christian saint of that name have personified essential spiritual values of their eras. Many of the fantastic miracles attributed to the saint relate to agriculture, the arts, and fertility - the same realms of which the goddess was patronness.

Her day, February 1, is regarded as the true First Day of Spring. It also marks the beginning of Imbolc, the Celtic Season of Light, when bonfires burned in honor of Brigid the goddess, symbolizing purification after being confined to one's home during the long bleak winter. It is also the festival of calving.

St. Brigid reputedly tamed wild animals and miraculously gave a young man the ability to play the harp perfectly the first time he picked up the instrument. Her larder's supply of food never ran out, and once a small cup of malt from her scullery yielded enough ale to supply all of the abbeys and monasteries under her rule.

" The Exalted One" - Brigit was one of the great Triple Goddesses of the Celtic people. Goddess of the fire. She was Protectress of smiths, healers and poets. She was the High Mother Goddess of Ireland and survived Christianity.

Saint Brigid of Ireland was born in Faughart around 450. According to tradition, her pagan father, Dubhtach, was of royal blood and her mother, Brocseach, was his Christian slave. Brigid was blessed with beauty, intelligence, high spirits and a kind heart. She could not bear to see anyone hungry or suffering. She was in charge of her father's dairy and, despite the fact that she often gave away much of its produce, the dairy prospered.

Brigid of Ireland is held in high regard in numerous countries...England, Scotland, Wales, Alsace, Flanders, Portugal...with many places bearing her name, and various traditions celebrating her day.

A tradition holds on the eve of St. Brigid's Day (Candlemas) when rushes or straw are woven into "St. Brigid's Crosses". Varying in materials and design, some are very elaborate and have become museum pieces. Others are simpler. They are hung in doorways to bring protection to the family.

From Saints Preserved, 1997-2001