My DD1 is named for St. Brigid (and we spell it Brigid.) I keep forgetting to celebrate her feast day but thanks to your blog we will remember and make these!

St. Brigid’s Cross Worksheet - Twinkl How to Make a St. Brigid’s Cross Worksheet - Twinkl

Many people sprinkle holy water on their St. Brigid’s crosses before putting them up in their homes, signifying its religious importance in Ireland’s culture. The Christian version of the story has Brigid creating the cross at the deathbed of a local pagan chieftain (some say it was actually her father). The cross itself is considered an ancient fire wheel symbol, which would explain its use as a protector from evil, fire, and hunger. I decided to experiment with several materials to see what made the best cross. Here are a few I made out of colored raffia.Unlike many other symbols, the cross is simple and does not feature any of the knot-like Celtic patterns we are used to. The woven square centerpiece of the cross features four arms that extend outwards in a simple criss-cross pattern. One story where she is said to have changed water into beer for a leper colony and miraculously provided enough beer for over 18 churches from one single barrel is why she is also thought of as the patron of beer. Where Should You Hang St Brigid’s Cross? However, just like many other Celtic symbols, the history and symbolism of this traditional symbol are murky and complicated. From pagan druids to believers of Christianity, Saint Brigid’s Cross has been claimed as a spiritual symbol by many.

St Brigids Cross - Etsy UK St Brigids Cross - Etsy UK

Yes, St Brigid is still celebrated all over Ireland, although not with quite as much enthusiasm as before. This holy sign is still used the same way it was all those years ago. Once woven, the cross is placed above the doorway of a home on the 1st of February to protect it from evil spirits, death, hunger, disease and fire.Read More: 5 Inspirational Women Who Influenced the Politics and Culture of Ireland The Christian Origins of Saint Brigid’s Cross

St. Brigid’s Cross - an Easy Step by Step Guide Making a St. Brigid’s Cross - an Easy Step by Step Guide

After some time, the members of the early Irish church declared her a saint. This was mostly to do with her devotion to God and her holy achievements in Ireland. Why, you may wonder, does this cross look different from most others. The story of how the first St Brigid’s Cross came to be is an interesting one. Saint Brigid’s Cross has been so iconic in Irish culture that at one point, it was the symbol of the Department of Health and used as part of the brand visuals for RTÉTelevision up until the 1990s. In addition, it is utilised in the logo of An Bord Altranais, the Irish Nursing Board. Your questions answered about St Brigid’s Cross Many people still make new crosses to place in their homes on the 1st of February. Many churches will also craft this cross design to hand out to their congregation during Saint Brigid’s Mass. What Is St Brigid The Patron Saint Of? She is also said to have cured a man of leprosy by blessing the holy water he was being washed in. Another story is of how she milked a cow, that had already been milked that day, and it then produced more than ten times the amount of milk a cow should be able to provide. She did this to nourish the local starving people.Fold a third piece of straw in half, then wrap it around the second piece (like you did around the first piece in step 3). There is no right or wrong place to hang St Brigid’s cross. However, this woven symbol is traditionally displayed above the front door or in the kitchen. Saint Brigid and her cross are full of intrigue and mystery. So, it comes as no surprise that many people still have a lot of questions about this holy woman and her poignant Christian symbol.

The Meaning Of St Brigid’s Cross And How To Make It - Harreira The Meaning Of St Brigid’s Cross And How To Make It - Harreira

She was responsible for founding many monasteries. The most respected and revered of all was in County Kildare – leading to her name, Brigid of Kildare. Real or mythical? – two people with the same name Credit: commons.wikimedia.org St Brigid’s Cross is almost more popular than the woman herself. And, it is safe to say that most Irish kids will recall making a cross in primary school at one stage or another. Repeating what you did in step 5, take a fourth piece of straw, fold it in half, then wrap it around all the pieces of straw that are pointing up. Continue to follow these steps repeatedly, adding new pieces of straw. Keep going until you run out of pieces of straw. It is also a popular design for those with Irish heritage or just a love for Irish design to have inked permanently on their skin. Sometimes this cross is tattooed on its own or as an element of a larger tattoo.For many, the topic of St Brigid’s Cross has come up at some stage in their life. But, how much do you really know about the woman in question? Followers of the ancient Celtic traditions in Ireland believe that the cross was associated with the pagan festival Imbolg, which signaled the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Saint Brigid (often called Brigid of Kildare or Brigid of Ireland), c. 451 – 525, was one of the most iconic early Irish Christian nuns. As well as jewellery and tattoos, Saint Brigid’s cross can be found on homewares like blankets, wall art, furniture and clothing. FAQs