Brigid of Kildare is the Matron Saint of Ireland often referred to as ‘Mary of the Gaels’. Brigid was born in 451CE in Faughart, Co. Louth, Ireland. In 480 CE, young Brigid travelled from Louth, through Meath to Kildare to establish her monastic centre at Kildare (Cill Doire, Irish Gaelic for the Church of the Oak) at a Goddess Brigid Fire Temple. Christian Saint Brigid shares many of Brigid the Goddess traits. This suggests the use of syncretism: the imposition of one religion over another older belief system.
Brigid is forever associated with her iconic equilateral cross made from reeds, rushes or straw. In ancient times it was a ‘sunwheel’ signifying Spring and the abundance of the lengthening days.
This universal symbol of Irish Celtic ancestry became one of St Brigid’s iconic Christian emblems. There are many beautiful traditions associated with Brigid’s Feast Day and Imbolg, the Celtic Festival of Spring. Traditionally, a Brigid’s cross was made for the year ahead. Then the previous year's cross was burned and the new one was placed near/over a doorway or window for Brigid’s protection throughout the year.
Our Brigid's Crosses are handmade with rushes harvested in the West of Ireland by Naomh Pádraig Handcrafts. The are lightly varnished to make them more durable.
Note: Fragile, do not bend and always handle with care.