St. Brigid is one of the three patron saints of Ireland and recently made a public holiday in celebration of the saint. The day signifies the beginning of spring which brings longer days and new life to a new year. St. Brigid’s [Lá Fhéile Bríde] day happens on the 1st Monday of February every year. She is the patron saint of poetry, learning, healing, protection, blacksmith, livestocks and dairy production.
The origins of the tradition can be found in both christianity and pagan festivals with many stories and folklore overlapping in content and traditions.It’s unsure if St. Brigid was a real person or not. She is most known for setting up the abbey in Kildare in Leinster. The story goes she approached the King of Leinster to request the land to build the monastery. He refused her request. She made the request again but instead said “Give me as much land as my cloak will cover”. Despite her cloak being only small, he granted her permission. Her four helpers pulled its corners and walked in opposite directions. The cloak grew and covered sufficient land. Allowing her to build her monasteries.
The key components of the day is the traditional woven Brigid’s cross [Imbolc] which is placed above the doors and windows to ward against evil spirits entering your home. Many families even prepare a bed and food as an invitation to St. Brigid to enter the home. With individuals acting as a symbolic representation of the saint to demonstrate that the family is welcoming her indoors to rest. A St. Brigid’s procession might occur in communities, with women and girls going around a Brigid doll or a chosen girl with a crown to represent the patroness.
Her significance has grown over the recent years as it’s now a public holiday in Ireland. The patroness is the only female patron saint of Ireland and only recently has been appreciated for her importance to Irish mythology and history. The day is now to celebrate the impact women and girls have on the culture and creativity of Ireland. Highlighting how diversity strengthens our cultural identity.
Follow your local branch to see how they are celebrating this St. Brigid’s day.
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