St Bridget/ St. Brigid Cross making

Making a St Brigid's Cross with Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage

Here we show you how to make a St. Brigid’s Cross using rushes. Rushes were used to thatch houses and were also used as bedding on the floor for animals.

St. Brigid is one of Irelands three patron saints. Her feast day is February 1st which is also the Celtic first day of spring. She was born in Co Louth and as a child would give away food and clothing to the poor. She set up a monastery in Co. Kildare. She performed many miracles and converted many pagans to Christianity.

She is known as the patron saint for farmers, poets, healers, Irish nuns, midwives, new-born children and also for fugitives. St. Brigid used rushes to weave a cross to explain the story of Christ.

It is tradition to make a new Cross every year on February 1st and place them inside the door of your house to protect from fire and hunger.

The eve of St. Brigid is also a special day, a blue and white cloth would be placed outside for St. Brigid to bless and could then be used during the year for anyone suffering from headaches, migraine or illness of the head. You would place the cloth on the forehead and pray to St. Brigid.

Learn more about St. Brigid hereĀ Deirdre explains the St. Brigid’s Cross

 

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