Celebrating St. Brigid’s Day: The Arrival of Spring
Happy St. Brigid’s Day! For the ancient Celts, February 1st signified the onset of spring, a delightful thought as we endure the chilly winter months.
This date marks the festival of Imbolc, translating to “in the belly,” which signifies the early pregnancy of ewes and the anticipated lambing period. Imbolc symbolizes rebirth and renewal, as the sun gains its strength, leading people to look forward to warmer days. To honor this occasion, hearth fires and candles were traditionally lit. This leads us to the significance of St. Brigid’s Day.
The Goddess Brigid
In the realm of Irish mythology, Brigid (alternatively spelled Brighid, Brigit, or Brid, meaning ‘the exalted one’) is esteemed as the daughter of The Dagda, the benevolent deity, and the spouse of Bres, a king among the Tuatha Dé Danann. Together, they had a son named Ruadán.
Brigid played a crucial role in the celebration of Imbolc and is revered as the goddess of healing, poetry, and various arts, particularly blacksmithing. Recognized for her healing powers, it was believed she was present at the birth of every child. Healing wells throughout Ireland still remain dedicated to her legacy. Brigid is also linked to fire and is considered a protector of the home and hearth.
Tradition suggests that Brigid introduced the custom of “keening” in Ireland, a practice that combines singing, weeping, and lamentation for the deceased. It is believed that this practice originated with her mourning for her son Ruadán, who was killed.
The Saint Brigid
Born in 451 in Faughart, County Louth, Brigid is celebrated as Ireland’s female patron saint. The daughter of Dubhthach, a Pagan chieftain, and Brocca, a Christian woman believed to have been baptized by St. Patrick, Brigid’s early life was marked by hardship. Following her father’s decision to sell her and her mother into slavery, she was inspired by St. Patrick to devote her life to Christianity, emerging as one of the earliest Christian nuns. She established numerous monasteries, notably founding one in Kildare around 480.
St. Brigid passed away on February 1, 525, a date that continues to be commemorated as St. Brigid’s Day. Initially buried in Kildare Abbey, her remains were later transferred to Downpatrick, where she rests alongside St. Patrick and St. Columcille.
Throughout her lifetime, St. Brigid was attributed with various miracles, including the remarkable ability to transform water into beer. One of the most cherished legends recounts how she acquired land for her convent at Kildare: a chief promised her land equal to the area covered by her cloak. When she spread her cloak upon the ground, it magically expanded, leading the chief to plead with her to stop, fearing he would lose his territory. This area ultimately became the foundation of her convent, with another tale asserting the land was flattened by her cloak, giving rise to the Curragh flatlands.
Customs Associated with St. Brigid’s Day
- Crafting St. Brigid’s Crosses
Every February 1st, St. Brigid’s crosses are created in various parts of Ireland, typically from rushes or straw, with the tradition of hanging them above doorways for protection. The origins and symbolism of the cross are often linked to pagan practices. The popular story tells of a pagan chief, nearing death, who summoned Brigid to enlighten him about Christ. Collecting rushes from the floor, she formed a cross, and as she explained its significance, he regained his composure and converted before passing away. - Pilgrimages to Holy Wells
There are numerous holy wells throughout Ireland dedicated to St. Brigid, with the most famous located in Kildare. The sacred spring flows beneath the surface and surfaces beside a modern statue of the saint. Historically, these pilgrimages to seek healing and fertility stemmed from pagan traditions and persist to this day. -
Biddy’s Day in County Kerry
One of the most intriguing customs associated with St. Brigid’s Day is the Biddy’s Day Festival in Killorglin, County Kerry. Biddy enthusiasts traditionally carry a Brideog doll from house to house, including pubs, to ward off malevolent spirits and bring fortune, prosperity, and fertility to households. The celebration concludes with the crowning of the King of the Biddys and a torchlight procession through the streets.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the essence of St. Brigid’s Day. Here’s to caring for one another during these seasons of change.
Slán go fóill!
