Tomorrow, February 1st, is #StBrigidsDay and marks the arrival of spring. In the pre-Christian calendar, the festival of Imbolc signalled the end of winter, but the day came to be associated with ‘Muire na nGael’, Ireland’s second saint, Naomh Bríd.

#StBrigid is supposed to travel the country on the eve of her feast, blessing the people and their livestock. In anticipation of this, bread and butter, cakes and other offerings would be left out for her, and in some areas, a bed of rushes was prepared for the visiting saint.

A piece of ribbon or cloth, called the ‘brat Bríde’ would also be left outside, to be blessed by the saint on her journey around the country. The ‘brat’ would then be imbued with curative powers and was used to help women in childbirth, ease headaches, and to soothe sick animals.

#StBrigid might not be the only visitor that evening, as the Biddy boys or the 'brídeog’ might also come calling. Groups of children, or sometimes adults, carrying an effigy of the saint would visit houses, bringing music and blessings in exchange for ‘a few pennies’.

One of the most common observances is the making of St. Brigid’s cross. Made from rushes or straw, and in various shapes, the cross would be hung over the door of the house to protect against fire, lightning, and illness. A cross could also be hung in the byre to protect cattle.

To learn more about #StBrigid and the celebration of #StBrigidsDay, listen back to episode 18 of Blúiríní Béaloidis, or read our past blog post on Naomh Bríd.

Beannachtaí na Féile oraibh!

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