Naomh Bríd Muire na nGael Jan 2009

“Anois teacht an Earraigh beidh an lá ag dul chun shíneadh,

Is tar éis na Féile Bride ardóigh mé mo sheol.”

Raftery (1784-1835)

Patroness of the Irish, the 5th century St Brigid is next in importance after St. Patrick in the rank of saints. There are many stories, legends and customs associated with her. The story of her using her mantle to acquire land for her convent in Kildare is probably the best known of all.

Her Cross of rushes, once the logo for RTE, is made by school children all over the country. The story of its origin says that during one of her travels, St. Brigid went to visit a dying pagan chieftain. As she sat near his bed, she picked up some rushes on the floor and began weaving a Cross. He asked her about what she was doing and, in explaining, she told him about Christ and the meaning of the Cross. He came to faith and was baptized.

It is customary on St. Brigid’s Day to make a Cross, known as a “St. Brigid’s Cross” out of rushes or reeds. Once the Cross is woven, it is blessed with holy water and with the words: ‘May the blessing of God, Father; Son and Holy Ghost be on this Cross and on the place where it hangs and on everyone who looks on it’.

It is then hung inside the front door or in the kitchen of homes and left in place all year, to be burned and replaced with a newly-woven Cross on the next St. Brigid’s Day.