Said to ward off evil, fire and hunger; the Cross of St. Brigid is an old Irish symbol of protection.
The Brigid’s Cross is a religious symbol which is usually woven from rushes. The traditional design features four arms tied at the ends with a woven square in the center.
Who was St. Brigid?
You may be asking, how did the cross get it’s name? Brigid was one of Ireland’s three patron saints. Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, St. Brigid is said to have created the first unique cross which now bears her name. Additionally, she was an early Irish Christian nun, abbess and the founder of the Irish monastery in County Kildare.
St. Brigid’s Day
Celebrated on February 1st, the feast of St. Brigid traditionally marks the beginning of Spring in Ireland. St. Brigid’s Day ushered in a new season of hope, growth and renewal and was seen as a time of joy and celebration.
Many households would leave a small piece of cloth or ribbon on their windowsill during the night. The superstition was that Brigid would touch the ribbon whilst on her travels thereby imbuing it with magical powers. Families would keep this holy cloth throughout the year to protect them against illness.
A Symbol of Protection
Traditionally, people make the crosses in Ireland on February 1st. They then place the cross inside the house, above a door or window, to welcome the spring season and celebrate St. Brigid’s feast day. People believe it protects the home from evil, fire, and hunger.
The St. Brigid’s Cross was a popular gift for those with a new home, and to newlyweds, so as to offer the couple protection and to wish them well in starting a family.
The St. Brigid’s Cross design appears in many decorations, household items, and pieces of jewelry. Today, you can find it on table linens, figurines, ornaments, and necklaces. This symbol continues to protect both the homes that display these figurines and the wearers of the necklaces.
Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day With Blarney!
Header image courtesy of BBC News.
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